Covid Thomas

By Onyinyechi S. Ugwoke

Different thoughts have shaped individual views on the existence of coronavirus. Many Nigerians continue to live in denial of the existence of Covid-19. At the onset of the outbreak in Nigeria, the known infected persons belonged to the political class or the high socio-economic class. Therefore, the average Nigerians believed that only politicians and the wealthy were at risk – they were the ones that travelled abroad. Other Nigerians suspected that the virus was a means for politicians to enrich themselves. In addition, the perception that elderly people were more affected by the virus made youths and the middle aged believe they were immune. Mr. Samuel Odiase, a trader in Computer Village, Lagos says he has not come across any infected persons. He contends that the figures being displayed on the NCDC page are being manipulated.

The coronavirus has spread rapidly in many parts of the world. Nigeria experienced its first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic and the government enforced a three months lockdown to check the spread of the virus. During this lockdown there was a sharp increase in the price of goods and commodities. While the poor got poorer the rich minimized their spending. Also, companies made losses, with smaller organizations unable to pay workers’ salaries. A good number of Nigerians joined the unemployed club, one of such persons is Mrs. Iyamba Patience, who after losing her job, ventured into the face mask business. In her words, “I sell face mask, but I don’t believe in it. The disease is not meant for less privileged people.” 

With the second wave, infection rates have increased alarmingly, and more people are dying from the virus. According to Dr. Japhet Olugbogi, Chairman, Lagos NMA Committee on Infectious Diseases, “during the first wave of the virus people doubted the reality of Covid-19 but the second wave has shown that it really exists.” The doctor reveals that he had a bout with the virus and advises the public to follow Cornavirus safety protocols.

The existence of the Covid-19 Thomases could have been influenced by several factors – WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram have been used to spread misinformation about the virus, resulting in people shunning safety protocols. Hunger is also a contributing influence; palliative initiatives from government have been largely inadequate. Many households depend on daily and monthly funds from bread winners and some pandemic restrictions have impacted earnings. Then there are religious leaders who believe that one cannot be infected with the virus, if they have faith in God. Hence, do not encourage mandatory use of face masks in their churches. Decades of failure in leadership has created a lack of trust in government, even the media is seen as a pawn of institutions. These are the dynamics influencing strict adherence to Covid-19 safety measures.

Most citizens think the pandemic is over, and no longer bother to wear face masks. There is need for regular community sensitization of Covid-19 safety protocols. The media should feature more Covid survivors in their programs and even those we have lost through the disease. Religious leaders have a moral responsibility in providing members more informed counsel on the pandemic, and support safety measures in the worship centers. The goal, after all is to beat the pandemic and return to some normalcy.