Words That Coronavirus Has Forced Into Nigerians’ Vocabulary
Can you remember a time BC (before corona)? I sure as hell can’t. Like, what was the last major thing that happened before Miss Rona started her world tour that nobody asked for? YOU sure as hell can’t remember. NO ONE can. It’s like Rona V showed up and wiped away everything that happened before her arrival.
You know what else Lady Corona changed drastically? Nigerians’ vocabulary. Specifically, it has forced the following 7 words into being used in our everyday conversations.
When a person has a disease but isn’t showing any symptoms.
Staying indoors and completely avoiding contact with other people in an attempt to avoid getting/spreading the virus.
A state, period, or place of isolation in which people who may have been exposed to the virus are placed until they are tested.
Social distancing is a set of non-pharmaceutical interventions or measures taken to prevent the spread of a contagious disease by maintaining a physical distance between people and reducing the number of times people come into close contact with each other.
An emergency security protocol that prevents people from leaving or entering an area. Or that thing the president of Nigeria initiated with only a two-day notice.
The process of identifying, assessing, and managing people who have been exposed to a contagious disease to prevent onward transmission.
A disease that has spread over many countries/continents, usually affecting a large number of people.
Words That Coronavirus Has Forced Into Nigerians’ Vocabulary
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Gather around.
You already know most of it. You know the first reported case was in a city in China called Wuhan, on December 31, 2019. Then it spread everywhere, and now it’s in your city.
As the virus spread, panic spread, and as panic spread, fake news spread. But this is not another story of the novel Coronavirus, Covid-19. This is about how we’ve been trying to be useful.
Let’s go back to the beginning
In February, a few days before the first case of coronavirus was announced in Lagos, Nigeria, the Zikoko team sat at their desks discussing what would happen if Coronavirus hit Nigeria. A lot of comments flew around: “Let’s just pray it doesn’t even come o”, “Nigeria can handle it, don’t you remember Ebola?”, “Some people are saying it cannot infect black people”.
It was a speculative conversation because we didn’t want to contextualise what the reality would like. We knew the possibility: if the country wasn’t careful and somehow, the virus got in, it would travel at the speed of light.
A few days later, we woke up to the news: the virus had finally landed in Lagos.
The important thing for us became finding a way to reduce panic and stop fake news: we began by educating family and friends, spreading awareness through articles and social media posters.
Something like this.
In March as the presence of the virus grew in Africa, we began to see that sensitization on a tiny scale was not going to work out. We could stop our parents from spreading fake WhatsApp broadcast messages, but what about the people far removed from us? In Lagos alone, the economic capital of Nigeria, there are approximately 16 million people. In a continent of 54 countries and over a billion people, there is only so much word of mouth can do. So we built Coronafacts Africa, a microsite that provides accurate information and resources for the general public to help understand and contextualise cases of Coronavirus in Africa.
What does the site do?
A bunch of things.
Let’s start with the numbers.
Coronafacts Africa curates accurate data on the number of cases, deaths and recovery in Africa.
Tap the photo
We’ve placed emphasis on recoveries because while people are panicking, we need to reinforce one fact: coronavirus can be beaten.
Visually-driven, the microsite features an interactive Map of Africa that presents more granular data on cases across the continent, breaking down the Africa specific counter by country.
What this means is that when you click on any country from Ghana to South Africa on the continent Map — at any given time — you get to see how many cases have been identified, how many people have recovered and how many people have died. The goal here is to help you and me have a better idea of what’s happening in the different countries in Africa.
Heard about the “salt and water” cure?
What about the “Tea and Agbo” cure? These are some of many fake remedies or prevention tips circulating the internet and local networks for Coronavirus. Also known as fake news.
The microsite includes a simple, shareable guide to understanding the virus. The simple guide to Coronavirus consists of lightweight pages to share with your family, friends and colleagues. It also includes illustrated wallpapers and display photos for your social media.
Tap the photo.
The science and medical jargon about the virus might be complex, but coronafacts is simple.
To make it even simpler, we’ve translated it into a couple of languages several languages? Say no more. We’ve created an easy-to-understand collection of videos explained by local experts, sharing practical tips on how to stay healthy and happy this season. You’ll find these on the microsite as well.
Here’s the goal:
While the microsite aims to inspire action from people across Africa about the virus, it also aims to spread truth and reduce panic.
Coronavirus can be defeated.
What do we want from you?
Join us in spreading the word.
You can share this with your family and friends
Tap the photo.
Share with your neighbours or anyone in close proximity to you. If you have ideas on how to get this to as many people as possible, holler.
Most importantly, you can do the right thing by isolating, social distancing and not spreading false information.
The Nigerian experience is physical, emotional and sometimes international. No one knows it better than our features on #TheAbroadLife, a series where we detail and explore Nigerian experiences while living abroad.
For many, the outbreak of the coronavirus has felt like watching the opening of Pandora’s Box in real-time. Relaying their personal unboxing experiences are five Nigerians scattered around the world. We’re starting with Johnny, a Nigerian who lives in the original epicentre of the virus – China.
Peter, China.
Image courtesy The New York Times
At first, it felt more or less like a normal flu sickness. A doctor treated a patient in December. He suspected that this flu looked similar to SARS and told his fellow doctors of his findings. Somehow the government found out and got him arrested for spreading fake news.
(The Chinese New Year was on Saturday, 25th of January)
The biggest holiday in China is the New Year Festival. There’s a lot of movement all over China. It’s like Christmas holidays when Igbo people and others travel home from wherever they are in Nigeria. Many Chinese people work in Wuhan but are originally from different provinces and cities.
More than 50,000 people left Wuhan. Some of them, of course, would have been infected.
Imagine coronavirus entering Lagos before a major holiday.
Yemi, Italy.
(Italy’s first detected case of the coronavirus was on January 29th, with two Chinese tourists. They were isolated and a state of emergency declared the next day, January 30th. By March, around 12,462 cases had been confirmed with 827 dead)
It might not seem like it with how the situation has spiralled out of control, but by February when the first case was recorded, I was still making trips around the world.
I have a graph I refer to.
See, in February, it still looked like we were in the clear. There were a few deaths, but nothing to really warrant panic. Then the numbers started climbing.
Up until the first week in March, things were still close to normal in Rome where I live. Lombardy was already on lockdown. I made trips to Switzerland and France, but as soon as I returned, the heat turned up.
It started with a cancelled work retreat in Prague, then my work travels for the rest of March were cancelled. By maybe March 12th, my co-workers and I received a note midday to go home and commence self-quarantine. The dates for working from home started to shift, another ‘hey guys, work from home has been extended to….’ message coming in to my workline. That’s when I realised things had really started to go downhill.
Abisola, The UK.
(Britain’s first recorded cases of thecoronavirus tested positive on January 2nd. Since then, more than 4000 persons have been infected with the virus state-wide)
I work as an Adult General Nurse. What this means is that I give medicine, change wounds and dressing, insert and remove catheters — that kind of thing. For all intents and purposes, I have an idea on what to do and expect when a pandemic hits; there’s no specific training, but general knowledge kicks in. But even I didn’t appreciate the seriousness of the coronavirus, until about two weeks ago when the first patient with the coronavirus visited my hospital
The reality hit me. He had come in with other conditions so the coronavirus wasn’t immediately suspected. In that time he had interacted with nurses and caregivers. It wasn’t until his son who had tested positive for the coronavirus, informed the hospital of his diagnosis, that appropriate care was administered to the patient after which he was tested for the virus.
That was the moment I realised how easily exposure to the virus could happen, especially in my line of work. The constant fear now is treating someone with the virus without taking the appropriate extra precautions.
Anonymous, Dubai.
I’d say there were two things that made the Coronavirus very serious for me.
Early in March, I travelled to Dubai for my honeymoon and to prospect one or two business opportunities at the same time. Initially, I planned on going to Singapore but after finding that they had around 50 active cases of the Coronavirus, I switched to Dubai. So while I realised the virus was serious, I discounted the chances of its spread and how fast the world could change in just a number of weeks. Big mistake? Very.
Watching the government of the UAE address its citizens and assure them that it was ‘infinitely able to take care of all their needs’ was definitely the first red flag that I may have underestimated the threat of the virus.
The second was definitely when the Nigerian government ordered a shut down of its international airports without paying any mind to citizens that were abroad for one reason or the other. At the time, I didn’t have the chance to make the suitable arrangements to plan a return to the country. Nigeria had essentially locked me out in a country where the government was telling anyone who cared to listen how ready it was to care for its citizens.
You know what, make that three things. No airline in Dubai is even journeying down to Nigeria. On all fronts, I’m stranded in Dubai on my own pocket, until the virus is contained and movement resumes around the world.
I went to the Nigerian embassy, asking what plans or measures the government had made for its citizens abroad and I got nothing. They said, and I quote “this is a global problem, there’s nothing we can do about it.”The embassy has been locked since the last time I visited.
With three weeks left on my visa, a $1000 renewal fee, hotel and feeding bills to reckon with, not even counting the state of my business back in Nigeria which requires constant relations with China which is blacklisted, I’d say I’ve been taking the Coronavirus, it’s health and economic implications very seriously for about three weeks now.
Jane, Ghana.
(Ghana’s index case on the coronavirus was announced on March 12th, around twenty cases have been confirmed since then)
At first, news of the Coronavirus crept up on me. We all saw the news in China and heard about Wuhan, but at that time in January, I’d say it was just at the corner of my mind. I mean, I was aware of it, I just wasn’t too bothered by it.
By mid-February, that story had changed. I work in event management and my boss, who used to be a medical doctor, called us all into his office for some frank talk. He told us what to expect in the coming weeks with the rate at which the virus was spreading. When we started getting cancellations and postponement for events, because the majority of our client base is international, we were full-on primed and ready for the worst of the virus.
If the Coronavirus didn’t have my attention at the start of the year, it was all I could think about by mid-February.
When Ghana reported its first case, I expected it, but then again, nothing ever really prepares you for the shock that you might contract a virus that could possibly end your life.
Life Before Coronavirus
Yemi, Italy
I’ve come to love so much about this country. Its history — look, you’ve never been surrounded by so much well-preserved history. You basically interact with history every day. Although – I will say sometimes this has a downside – preserving history in Italy has complicated infrastructural development.
Abisola, The UK
For seven years I’ve been a nurse. I moved to the UK last November and have enjoyed every little past time common with the English since then. I enjoy the social atmosphere, going on walks in the evening, even grocery shopping with people.
Coronavirus Goes Pandemic
(The WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11th)
Peter, China.
By the time it spread in China, everyone was panic shopping, including me – everything got pricy. All delivery services stopped. All estates closed their gates. Checkpoints were everywhere for temperature checks. Masks became scarce.
Busy streets became deserted.
Abisola, The UK.
The hours have definitely increased, but that’s expected when you’re trying to rein in a pandemic. I now work 12.5 hours a day, about 4-5 days a week.
For the past couple of weeks, I’ve had to work one day extra to make up for nurses who are beginning to fall ill. Everyone is committed to getting the UK as safe as it can be, but at the same time, nurses are genuinely scared for their lives. The biggest heroes are the ICU nurses, infection and control as well as emergency nurses. They deserve all the appreciation.
We’ve had to discharge patients to different types of homes, not just to deal with the numbers, but because it’s safer for them to be out of the hospital at this time.
We have PPEs (Personal Protective Equipment) to protect ourselves, but there’s a shortage, so we’re encouraged to use these only when necessary, that means, if we suspect we’re actually dealing with a suspected case of Covid-19. We’re just using general precautions at this time.
There isn’t a financial reward to working at this time, it’s a nurses’ dream to save lives, so that isn’t always an incentive. But it’s great that members of the NHS are being recognised for their work from neighbouring establishments. McDonald’s gave free drinks to frontline workers, Sainsbury and Tesco have given time-slots for NHS workers to shop, stress-free. The support has been very comforting.
The people of London showing their appreciation to the incredible NHS staff, who are risking themselves each day to help with the coronavirus pandemic. Incredibly moving.
(Italy has imposed a Stay-at-home campaign that has been in force for weeks)
I’m going for a walk outside my apartment for the first time in days. It’s not because I need the exercise. It’s just – I’m starting to go stir crazy being cooped in for so long. The lockdown has been in force for weeks now. I’m only going around my block – you’ve seen the Italian mayors complaining – I’m not going any further.
"I stopped him and said, 'Look, this isn't a movie. You are not Will Smith in I Am Legend. Go home." This is the updated compilation of Italian Mayors losing it at people violating #Covid19 quarantine. Yes, subtitles are accurate. pic.twitter.com/60V4Csuonb
To leave my house and take a walk around the block, I have to fill out a self-declaration form. This form will contain details on the start and end of my journey. It’s to track any chances of me spreading the virus. Movements between different cities and towns are permitted only in dire cases.
Jane, Ghana.
In Accra, we recently started social distancing and I am so proud of how obedient everyone has been towards the government’s directives. We had a ‘no market-day’ order the other day and when I tell you, not even buses were on the road to transport people. The government has seen how important this virus could potentially be to the lives of its citizens and is taking all the right steps to prevent a meltdown.
As the numbers have climbed, and the reality of just how severe this virus has hit Italy, even that has changed. There hasn’t been any cheer for the past couple of days.
Anonymous, Dubai.
I haven’t been out a lot, but from what I’ve seen, the government and the people of Dubai aren’t taking any chances. The lockdowns are in place and people are respecting it. There aren’t unnecessary gatherings, everyone is indoors. Anything public, pools, gyms, clubs and the tourist centres have been closed.
The only things open are supermarkets, food stores and pharmacies. I think if countries and citizens have the same goal and are on the same page, the way Dubai is, this virus will stand a chance of being contained within a reasonable time. At this rate, I’m considering just starting over and moving here.
Jane, Ghana.
(Ghana is plotting a countrywide lockdown, in addition to sensitisation efforts)
I’ll be the first to say that there are certain things the Ghanaian government could have done differently, like closing the borders earlier and imposing a quarantine on arrivals into the country before the first case spread, but on a whole, their handling of the situation has been admirable.
There have been market sanitisations, you actually see the effort at educating people at the grassroots on what to expect with the coronavirus and measures to prevent it. There’s a website updated with information on the virus every six hours. It doesn’t matter that you already find the information in other places first, just knowing the resource exists is so fantastic. And moving away from the government. The people have been great. They have mobilised food drives and assistance to the less fortunate. More of this and I genuinely see life returning to a little bit of normalcy, come April.
Yemi, Italy.
The first thing I have to appreciate the government for is stabilising prices. There’s no supermarket or store you’ll visit, or at least I’ve visited, with a hike in prices. They’ve made sure all the stores remain stocked and there’s no shortage. It’s a laudable move.
Despite the numbers, the quarantine is also being handled very well, I mean, there will be people that will disobey the orders to stay put, but in all, the government deserves its praise.
The Future.
Peter, China.
The last patient in my city has been discharged as at 22nd of March – our city is now virus-free. China is still recording new cases at the airport from returnees, but they tag them imported cases. We will see what will happen in the coming weeks. About numbers, I don’t think the government is hiding numbers. No country can give accurate numbers too. The number they give are only known cases. Many people might be sick but would prefer to hide or stay home. Some might even die at home. So the cases they report are only what they know based on hospital records. It’s just interesting to note that things would have been contained if the lockdown was implemented in December. The doctor (who first raised the alarm) contracted the virus from his patient and died afterwards.
Jane, Ghana.
Right now, I’m taking things in their stride. I laugh when I remember all the places, trips and locations I was bookmarking on Instagram earlier in the year to visit and create content in. Right now I’m just thankful to have breath in me. My biggest priorities are maximising the supplies of food and tissue paper I have for the month to possibly stretch in the event that this goes on longer than planned.
Yemi, Italy.
I think the world stands a good chance at beating this thing. Human beings have been besieged by diseases in the past and we always come back victorious. The only issue right now is what and how much we would have lost before we return to normal.
Want more Abroad Life? Check in every Friday at 9 A.M. (WAT) for a new episode. Until then, read every story of the series here.
Self-isolating with your partner is probably not how you imagined the third month of 2020 would pan out. But Coronavirus happened — is happening — and we have to do the right thing to stay safe and alive. As much as we love our partners, waking up to them, seeing them every second of the day, working with them from our homes is still remarkably different from anything we’re used to.
With this in mind, we decided to ask seven Nigerians about their experience self-isolating with their partner. From marathon sex to unnecessary arguments, here are the answers we got.
Lola, 28/Female/Recently Married:
So I’m married but the peculiar thing is my husband and I don’t stay together because of work. He comes home every Friday and goes on Monday. Enter the Ronnies and ghen ghen, everything changed. He’s been home since last week Thursday and one thing I know is a baby is going to come out of this thing even though baby wasn’t on my vision board this 2020.
Secondly, I don’t know why I never noticed he’s a three meal a day man. He doesn’t miss any. Luckily he’s self sufficient and gets his breakfast himself while I like to spend the early parts of my day working. But I’m worried about the food. What will happen when it finishes now. I shopped based on my style of 0 – 1 – 0.5 One weird thing for me is how he likes to write on surfaces. We have a home office yea, and we’ve got whiteboards he uses but Uncle has taken this thing further- his scribbles have taken over the entire surface of our work table. It’s like graffiti on it right now and I’ve been asked (begged) not to clean anything.
The best thing about self-isolating with my partner has been this: for us to have good deep sleep and not get restless because of paranoia (at the beginning, we both couldn’t sleep cos of fear), he gets us to watch old 90s movies late into the night, while getting drunk on scotch and then we proceed to do the thing which the lord has sanctified. Very vigorously I must add. Sleep is sure after but so is the baby thing. One thing I know is after this thing, it’s gonna be harder going back to status quo.
Micheal, 24/Male/In A Relationship – Nine Months
My summary of this experience in one sentence: she’s a little crackhead, I want to throw her away but I can’t because I love her. Let me explain. On night one, we had a fight. She was sleeping and I was working. She then woke up and said I was disturbing her; I left the room for her – I went to the parlour to continue what I was doing. After a while, she came to the parlour and asked why I left her alone, that I wasn’t playing with her — I mean, isn’t it only crackheads that stay stuff like this. So I said, ma, you were asleep. It was only the next day that she realised she was about to come on her period and that was why she was fighting me. Now I’m treating my partner like a baby. A big baby that would just randomly start dancing in front of my computer to distract me.
I admit that I have my own. Self-isolating with your partner teaches you about yourself and your partner. Like me now, I know I don’t have sense like that, but I didn’t know it was bad like that. Sometimes, I’d just randomly spank her when she’s working. It’s not my fault that she’s been dressed like a plumber since our self-isolation began. In all, it’s actually not a new experience. We’ve lived together for stretches at a time and I know there’s nothing I can’t handle. But sha, if you know someone buying crackheads, tell me because I’ll soon put this one up for sale.
Ada, 24/Female/In A Relationship
For me, self-isolating with my partner has been great. We have successfully divided the tasks in the house so both of us know who is doing what and when. She talks to herself while she’s working — I do it too, but I only just realised that that’s how she works. She also checks on me to make sure I’m not overwhelmed with work.
We haven’t had sex yet. I’m horny but she has a lot of work so I’m respecting that. Arguments are same as usual. We play a lot more, teasing each other, making impressions of our cat.
After my company granted remote work, I immediately moved in with my partner. We had talked about it prior and we agreed we’d self-isolate together. During the first five days, body was catching us and we did it every chance we got. Things slowed down and became boring from day six and we’ve had three serious arguments for the first time in our relationship since then. I also noticed a few interesting and annoying things about him and he did too. We used to spend weekends together before but they didn’t seem like enough time for us to notice the things we’ve noticed during this isolation.
This entire thing has also given me a glance at what marriage could be like. Since we stopped having sex after doing it like rabbits consecutively for 5 days, he has been asking for it but I’m so drained. This also has given me a glance at why men say they cheat because their wives aren’t giving it to them. It’s all a lot but I’m happy I get to experience all of this with him. I’m certain our relationship will come out of isolation better than it went in. Self-isolating with your partner is a huge test for couples who don’t usually live together.
Tunde, 29/Male/Engaged
We started self-isolating a week ago. It’s also our first time living together. We’ve had our engagement, but haven’t gone to registry. She had to fight her parents to come and stay with me — I mean, we’re technically married, so it’s only right. I was gingered about self-isolating because I had read a foreign article about self-isolating with partners helps the couple.
We weren’t really having sex before now. So I imagine my shock when self-isolation started and I found out that I’m getting married to a sex machine. We start our morning with sex and end our day with sex. I think that’s the only routine we have been able to pull off so far. One time, I started working earlier than usual. She was still sleeping, so I assumed we won’t be having sex on that morning. Lo and behold, aunty came to the parlour and we did it. It was the same thing during the weekend when I got up early to make breakfast. We have the same energy sexually and that’s super good to know. Should I say thank you corona?
Daniella, 25/Female/In A Relationship
Since I started self-isolating with my partner, nothing shocking has happened, fortunately. But who knew he watched so much stuff? He must have watched at least 3 series & all their seasons by now. Also, I do not think he has had to listen to more finance speak in forever. I don’t think he realized how much finance finance stuff I did. Sweetest thing has gotta be yummy breakfast which is totally new.
Mohammed, 36/Male/Married For Almost Six Years
We’ve been married for a while, but apart from vacations, I don’t think we’ve spent a stretch of time together like this before. Self-isolation is good because she can rest and I can help out in ways that I couldn’t be for. I’ve tried things like cooking for the children and getting them ready in the morning while my wife sleeps in.
It’s just the children that are stressing me, if not, I actually like this arrangement. Some of my colleagues are complaining about self-isolating with their partners and I laugh at them. I don’t know what the coming days hold, but I’m optimistic that things will go on like this.
As everyone knows, we’re officially living in that shitty M.Night Shyamalan movie from 2008 starring Mark Wahlberg, which means that we have to stay home in an attempt to stop the spread of Miss Rona V.
Because of this, we asked 5 people to tell us what exactly they stocked up on before beginning to self-isolate. Here are their responses.
Astor, an appropriate age.
“Yes, me. I deserve to be a part of these things. Anyway, as a person who is very passionate about food, I bought a lot of food. Snacks (biscuits, juice, crackers), foodstuff (rice, beans, noodles, tin tomatoes, cereal, milk), and toiletries. You may have noticed that I didn’t mention spaghetti. That’s because some asshole(s) cleared the spaghetti section, along with the bread and eggs sections. Whoever you are, my prayer is that you jam your pinky toe on every piece of furniture you own, you fu –”
Desmond, 20
“I was pretty much all set when it came to actual foodstuff before all this started. What I did rush out to buy were snacks. You know, potato chips, chin-chin, crackers etc. And lots of alcohol. See, I have this nagging fear that this virus will mutate and start turning people into zombies and I do NOT want to be sober when I’m inevitably caught and eaten.”
Nneka, 32
“I have a whole family to cater for so when I went panic-shopping, I bought EVERYTHING. I hate to say this out loud but this self-isolation thing would’ve been much easier without children, which we have two of. 2-year-old twin boys. They’ve somehow gone through their Ribena supply. That’s their business sha. Because I am not going out when they start making noise. Brats. Please don’t add that. Or do. I don’t care. They can’t read. Oh, I also bought plenty of condoms. There is NO way I’m getting pregnant during all this. “
Veronica, 17
“Errrm. See ehn, my parents did all that. May God grant them long life because they keep coming through for your girl. I mean, they’re my parents and they have to come through. You get my point sha. Lol”
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Everything You Need To Know About The Hantavirus
Since the news broke of it killing a Chinese man on the 24th of March 2020, the Hantavirus has been on everyone’s minds. Some people even went ahead to accuse China of bioengineering viruses in their labs. (Coronavirus and Hantavirus).
The coronavirus has currently infected almost 400,000 people worldwide and killed 17,000. So it makes sense that people would panic about a new virus showing up to make things worse. However, everyone needs to calm down because it turns out that the hantavirus isn’t even new.
Here’s everything you need to know about the hantavirus.
According to the CDC, the hantaviruses are a family of viruses that can cause a variety of diseases in humans. They are not airborne but are carried by rodents. They can only be spread to humans if they come in contact with urine, faeces, saliva or the occasional bite of an infected host.
While both viruses share certain symptoms (fatigue, fever, muscle aches, headaches), the hantavirus’ chances of being passed from one human to another are very low. However, the hantavirus’ mortality is as high as 36%, much higher than coronavirus’ 3.4%.
So you can rest easy because there’s no chance of the hantavirus becoming a pandemic and causing a global economic shutdown. According to the CDC, controlling the rodent population in your surroundings is the key to avoiding hantavirus infections.
While we have your attention, click here to read an article about the week in a life an NCDC call centre agent.
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Everything You Need To Know About The Hantavirus
“There is no knowledge that is wasted – Mortal Kombat.”
We live in strange times and we need strange measures. This is the regime of handwashing with soap and clean water and in the absence of that, the use of hand sanitizers.
Amidst, all of the Covid-19 panic, I went to the pharmacy to stock up on hand sanitizers and I discovered it had been exhausted. I searched for hours and resigned myself to just washing my hands until I found a “Do It Yourself” video on how to make hand sanitizers at home. It completely blew my mind away and I am sharing this with the hope that it helps someone as much as it has helped me.
PS: This is not to serve any other purpose than for personal use.
For starters, you’ll need these:
You can get Methylated Spirit at your local Pharmacy for N200 or less.
Aloe vera gel can also be purchased from your local pharmacy.
Glycerin oil is used as a preservative for making cakes. So, check a cake shop.
After getting these, you then need to check out this awesome video for the step by step process on how to go about making your own. Also, for how to add fragrances to give it a good smell, read the comments.
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If you don’t think the coronavirus pandemic is a threat yet, now is really the time to think again. New cases are being confirmed in Nigeria every day. And if you still think social distancing is overrated, check this out.
Yesterday, Access Bank released a statement, confirming that a customer who had visited a branch of the bank in Ligali Ayorinde Street, Victoria Island has tested positive for Covid-19.
According to the statement, the unnamed individual visited the branch on Monday, 16, March, and at the time, he wasn’t showing any symptoms. The individual is now currently at an isolation centre in Yaba.
Also, the statement notes that the branch has been closed for the moment for “thorough disinfection.” The bank called everyone who was at the branch to self-isolate for the recommended 14-day period but didn’t say if contact tracing has started to locate anyone who isn’t a staff but was at the branch on that day.
Here is the thing now, and it’s simple — it’s important that you self-isolate if you were at the bank, and should you develop any symptoms, please call the NCDC toll free number: 0800 9700 0010.
Social distancing is not overrated. Everyone should try to stay in their house as much as they can. We recommend that you do the following.
Wash your hands and stay safe, y’all!
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A lot has changed in the world in recent times and that’s putting it mildly. From the way we worship to social interactions and even how we work.
However, in Nigeria, we seem to be in a peculiar position. On one hand, we can’t afford to fully self-isolate and on the other hand, some parts of the country believe this is Government propaganda to steal money.
To better understand the reality on the ground, we decided to take a look at businesses across different walks of life to understand how Covid-19 is affecting Nigerians. We asked 5 different people ranging from employees to employers how their life has changed.
Demola – 28.
“I work in a community pharmacy and we can’t afford to close down because people on life-long medications (Anti-diabetics, Anti-hypertensives) depend on us. But, my boss is not paying hazard fee. So, I am my own protector. I sanitize anyone that comes into the Pharmacy, I put the money in a carton and sanitize it before dropping it in our safe. The only good part is that because of the increase in demand for immune-boosting medicine, we have met the target for the month. The other day, someone bought N150k worth of Cellgevity and Reload and she didn’t flinch. So, I can’t complain too much.”
Jennifer – 24.
“My office has issued a work from home policy for all of us. We are a non-profit and we already have funding for the next 2 years so we are covered. I am worried about two things. Firstly, people who can’t afford to work from home and risk exposure by going out every day. Secondly, our clients that we currently run some projects for and how long they have before they shut down and we have nothing to do for them. If this happens, it may be difficult to renew our funding once two years is over. It’s just a cluster fuck.“
Lanre – 55.
“I run a private practice and I have been doing this for the past 25 years give or take. I have seen a decline in this practice from very profitable to mildly profitable and just struggling. See, before now, I have been struggling to pay staff salary and I have a small staff of just 6 nurses. I am the only doctor on the ground. So, if I have been struggling without this pandemic, what will happen now that it’s here?
Everyone is saying shut down! shut down! shut down and do what? Shut down and go to die? My kids are also struggling so where will I get money to survive? I am a doctor oh and things are hitting me this hard. A part of me actually hopes that this will pass over because I can’t even think of where to start from.”
Akeem – 25.
“The truth is that na me fuck up. I had been told not to depend on only one supplier and I didn’t listen. So, I import things from China to sell for some profit here. The truth is that I ran out of stock in December of last year and because of New Year break and all, I couldn’t get supplies. Then Corona came along and compounded to the whole thing. Let’s just say my own 2020 hasn’t started. I am still in 2019.”
Chisom – 29.
“Man. This thing needs to go so my clients can come back. I book and tutor people for the IELTS exam. Anytime I remind me them about the payment they tell me that “the world is ending so there’s no need for them to take the IELTS” again. Before during the rush, my weekends were occupied with tutoring people. Now, I have enough time to do Instagram self-isolation challenges.”
Covid-19 is one of the biggest things kicking 2020 in the butt. But we’ve decided that we’re going to kick it’s butt back. The first step is having all the right information about this enemy of ours. Take this quiz and find our how well you know the novel coronavirus disease, Covid-19. Pro-tip: Share this with your mum, dad, uncle and aunty.
