CACOVID Encourages Nigerians to Get Vaccinated, Stop Spread of COVID-19

Mary Nnah

Private Sector Coalition Against COVID-19, (CACOVID), has urged Nigerians to get vaccinated in order to stem the spread of the coronavirus and minimise the impact of its most recent deadly variant, Omicron.

The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reported 920 new confirmed COVID cases between November 6 and December 1, whilst confirming three cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 in Nigeria last week Wednesday.

Spokesperson of CACOVID and the Managing Director, Aliko Dangote Foundation, Zouera Youssoufou, urged Nigerians to mask up, get vaccinated and take necessary precautions.

“Since the COVID curve has been flattened significantly in Nigeria, many of us have relaxed with the prescribed precautionary measures. It is not uncommon to see many going around without face masks and forgetting to maintain social distancing.

“According to reports from the NCDC, this has led to a steady increase in infection and death rates. We need to take the prescribed precautionary measures seriously- wash your hands and sanitise them regularly, maintain social distance, wear a face mask whenever you are in public, whenever you need to cough/sneeze, do so into your elbows, get vaccinated.

” In addition to all of these, visit the hospital immediately if you notice any symptoms. We need to flatten the curve and the only way we can do this effectively is if we all play our parts.”

The COVID-19 Coordinator, West Africa Health Organisation (WAHO), Joshua Obasanya, said that “one of the biggest challenges in the region is getting people to comply with safety regulations and tackling rumours and misinformation.”

He emphasised that people should follow safety guidelines, get vaccinated to help eradicate the disease.

“None of the COVID-19 vaccines contain the live virus that causes COVID-19, so contrary to erroneous information being circulated; a COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19.

“Also important to note is that people who have a condition or are taking medications that weaken their immune system may not be protected even if they are fully vaccinated.

“They should continue to take all precautions recommended for unvaccinated people, including wearing a well-fitted mask, until advised otherwise by their healthcare provider”, he noted.