THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC 

The Coronavirus disease(COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the newly discovered coronavirus which emerged in Wuhan, China and spread around the globe.
It is a highly transmittable and pathogenic viral infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-like (SARS-like) bat viruses, therefore bats could be the possible primary reservoir.
     The virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes or exhales.
Humans can easily be infected by breathing in the virus if you are in close proximity of someone who is infected, or by touching a contaminated surface and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
COVID-19 can be characterized as a pandemic due to its rapid increase in the number if cases outside China and how it had a affected a growing number of countries, including Nigeria.
WHO advices people of all ages to protect themselves from the virus by following good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene.
     Nigeria's government has therefore locked down certain states in the country and restricted movement as a preventive measure against the virus to curb its rapid increase rate. 
The lockdown has left it's mark on many essential workers who go about their daily activities admist pains and sufferings. They encounter hardships during this period, coupled with little or no pay from their employers.
The masses in rural areas majorly fear hunger and not the virus, as the prices of  food stuff has increased. They complain about lack of electricity as well.
There are also fears that if things should get out of hand, those in urban areas who can't keep up with the hardship might start moving to rural areas - where they are guaranteed food from family farms but where there is a higher population of vulnerable older people and more limited health services.
There will be significant consequences for household consumption in the cities that are under lockdown.
Loss of income will be the immediate concern for individuals who have been contributing to household consumption through their entrepreneurial activities and engaged in hand-to-mouth self employment. 
It will be hard for such individuals to participate in the lockdown when their households depend on them for consumption. 
     The NCDC warned that widespread disease transmission may force large numbers of people to seek healthcare, which may overload healthcare systems and lead to otherwise preventable deaths. 
Citizens are herby warned to take appropriate precautions such as; washing hands often with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub, maintain safe distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing, avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth, stay home if you feel unwell and if you have a fever, cough or difficulty in breathing, seek medical attention immediately. 

AIBE ESTHER SHALOM.
19/04/2020