“Most Nigerian traders have stopped wearing a facemask as they believe the Pandemic may well be a rich man’s disease”

Hugies Pharmacy; observed this from a general survey and also from other news media publications. However as  Professional Pharmacists we endeavor to re-educate our clients about the use and importance of wearing a facemask.

Read more on facemask

Most Nigerians appear to have abandoned the use of a mask, despite the lack of a vaccine for the COVID-19 pandemic that grounded their lives for most parts of 2020.

A survey of major markets across Lagos, revealed that most traders have abandoned the daily use of a facemask. This a mandatory requirement of the Lagos State Government, and an offense under the law. Hawkers, roadside sellers, shop traders, clothe dealers, food sellers, cart pushers, textile sellers, etc. are no longer paying attention to the safety measures.

Most traders believe the virus is no longer a threat, as they go about their daily business without being sick. At the night market in Idumota, most of the traders can be seen transacting their business with customers, without wearing facemask or any form of social distancing, suggesting life appears to be back to normal for a lot of them.

Facemask, What the data says

• In an effort to contain community transmission in the country. The WHO Risk Communication team is supporting a community sensitization campaign. This is on adherence to non-pharmaceutical interventions especially the appropriate use of facemask among the population at all levels etcGraphic designs of people wearing facemask were also created and posted on social media. Series of media interviews of key stakeholders were conducted on the importance and correct use of face mask by WHO Nigeria.

  “The correct use of facemask is key to ensuring containment of the spread of the COVID 19 in our communities. Facemask can be sometimes uncomfortable but contracting COVID 19 is more uncomfortable and riskier…” said Hawa Sesay, a WHO Risk Communication Officer, at one of the radio talk shows.

Sources, nairametrics, afro.who.int

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