COVID-19: Expert counsels FG on Delta variant

Dr Francis Oyema, an Epidemiologist, has urged the Federal Government to take immediate measures to halt the current coronavirus B.1. 617.2, also known as the Delta variant, by enforcing the indoor mask mandate across the states.

Oyema, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, in Abuja, that the Delta variant, believed to be twice as contagious as the original COVID-19 strain, was thought to be responsible for 90 percent of new cases across the world.

The expert noted that the entire country was required to wear masks, except for persons with disabilities or medical conditions, who were over specific ages.

“Everywhere I go, I see people who don’t adhere to the rule. Half the people from my house to my office have their masks off, below the nose or hanging around their necks.

“Of course, when there is no enforcement why have the rule? Enforcement should include business owner’s responsibility, the state authority that enforces both inside and outdoor subjects.

“Whether states emphasise education regarding wearing mask , whether local governments also impose mask orders, and if local law enforcement resisted a role in enforcing the order.

“There should be a maximum penalty for violations. States should make provision for fines. The amount should be between N10,000 and N20,000, or jail terms.

“The government needs to quickly decide on what is best for its citizens, because from what we have seen in India, South Africa and other countries, with the rise in infections overwhelming their health systems, our health systems are not even as good as theirs,” he stressed.

Oyema said that the government must act fast and reintroduce strict enforcement of the universal mask mandate with frequent inspections of places of mass gathering, including the systematic dissemination of warnings to ensure that in high-risk areas, citizens must keep windows open in public buses and offices.

He added that strong public health leadership and concerted effort of government agencies, the media, and civil society were also needed to promote mask hygiene, social distancing, and vaccination.

“Otherwise, high death rates and full lockdown will be inevitable causing economic pain, unemployment, and poverty.

“This morning on my way to the office, many people did not wear their masks, or do not wear masks properly, but the worst part is that all windows are not just closed but locked – I tried hard and couldn’t open.

“Absolute insanity is when there is no enforcement of mask-wearing on board public buses.

“Public transport operators should be stripped of their licenses, if they do not enforce the measures in place,” he said.

According to him, the country’s response to the first wave of the pandemic was exemplary, because restrictions were strictly enforced.

“All agencies were mobilized, resulting in minimum casualties, an indication that the country has the capacity to effectively fight the COVID-19, as long as there is a will and leadership.