We are in unusual times with the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic changing human dynamics across spectra and threatening to annihilate mankind.
As at 12pm last night, the virus had infected 334,000+ people, killed 14,000+ across 192 countries including Nigeria.
World Health Organization (WHO) warns the Pandemic is accelerating, implying more people will still die from the stock of those already affected and those who may be affected.
It is important to note that the most powerful ‘vaccine’ against this dangerous moloch are the potentially unaffected because it is in our power to brake the virus’s trajectory and cut the onslaught of the disease.
For now, social distancing and non-contact socializing and constant washing (and sanitizing) of hands are recommended as the surest ways to halt the spread and stay safe: Avoid touching your face.
Literature on the frequency of face-touching behavior which is viewed as a potential vector for the transmission of this diseases is common.
The mouth, the nose and the eyes are the fastest inlet into the body for the virus and as such if your hands are regularly clean and you avoid touching surfaces and your face, and abide with the other protocols, you will survive the pandemic.
These are literarily non-pecuniary endeavors and should be observed by everyone.
This is not the first time the world has been plagued. The world defeated the other pandemics and we shall defeat and survive the Covid-19 pandemic.
For the records (between 1918 – 2010): Spanish Flu 1918 – 1920, killed 100 million (with some indigenous communities pushed to the brink of extinction); Asian Flu: 1957-1958, claimed more than 1 million lives; AIDS pandemic and epidemic 1981-present day has claimed an estimated 35 million lives (since it was first identified); H1N1 Swine Flu pandemic: 2009-2010 Infected about 1.4 billion and killed between 151,700 and 575,400 people.
I must add that, for our indigent people, especially, we (individually and collectively) must close-rank and oblige every support to lessen the impact of this unusual times and bizarre pandemic.
Finally, fear is a bigger killer than any plague, epidemic or pandemic and I shall ask that we approach this “war” with courage, determination, commitment and above all PRAYER: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will heal their land.”
We shall survive.
Victor Alewo Adoji