On the 17th of March 2020, a third case of the Coronavirus was confirmed in Lagos by the Lagos State Ministry of Health. This means that shit is getting real and we all have to play our part to ensure that this disease doesn’t spread. One of the ways to do this, suggested by the World Health Organization (WHO), is Social Distancing (i.e staying at least three feet away from someone who is sick or potentially contagious, which could be anyone because symptoms don’t show immediately). This brings us to the main point of this article; No-touch ways to greet friends to avoid spreading the coronavirus.
Here are 10 ways to do that.
1) Flash the “thumbs up” at them.
Spice it up a bit by invoking the spirit of 1970s sitcom character, Arthur Herbert Fonzarelli aka The Fonz and adding an enthusiastic “AYYYYYY!“
2) Hail them like this:
Throw in a “Baba/babe, I hail oh!” so it the greetings seems sincere.
3) Salutethem…
…like a sweet chocolate sugar-coated candy man.
4) Shimmy your breasts at them.
Works for men and women.
5) Flash the peace sign at them.
Spice it up by pouting and looking like every female YouTuber with surgery-enhanced lips.
6) Quietly nod.
“Because real Gs move in silence like lasagna.” – Lil Wayne, 2011.
7) Wiggle your fingers at them excitedly.
Spice it up by screaming unintelligible words in a high-pitched voice.
8)Blow them kisses.
Just do this without accidentally bathing them in spittle.
9) Wink
But not too hard so it doesn’t look like you’re sexually propositioning them.
10) Just wave
Remember y’all, using these no-touch ways to greet friends and practising social distancing is just one of the ways we can protect ourselves and others. Click here to read about the other ways.
Stay safe!
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The Lagos State Ministry of Health reported earlier today that a new case of the Covid-19 has been discovered making this the third case in Nigeria.
Breaking! Third case of #COVID19NIGERIA confirmed in Lagos. – This is a new case independent of the index case – 30 year old Nigerian, female – Returned from the UK on 13th March – Observed self-Isolation, developed symptoms – Tested positive – Now at Mainland GH receiving care pic.twitter.com/f8osZk4Ba4
1) This is a totally new case independent of the previously infected people.
2) The infected person recently got back from the U.K and took some measures.
3) No need to panic. The patient is receiving care and being monitored at Mainland General Hospital.
The Government has also advised that people who recently got back from the BA 75 flight on the 13th of March should isolate themselves.
Breaking! #COVID19Lagos Updates If you are a passenger on flight BA 75 that arrived in Lagos on 13th March, 2020, stay at home and isolate yourself for 14 days. Call @LSMOH hotlines now; 08000corona, 08023169485, 08033565529, 08052817243, 08028971864, 08059758886, 08035387653 pic.twitter.com/TIzkV3z0U0
So, while we await updates, let’s all remember to take the necessary precautions:
Remember not to panic. Also, share the precautions to take with your loved ones.
On Thursday, 27 of February, 2020, the first case of Coronavirus was reported in Nigeria. While it seems like Nigeria is taking it like a champ, we all need to take some precautions and stay safe. These are the necessary steps prescribed by the World Health Organisation to prevent the spread of coronavirus:
1. Wash your hands frequently and regularly
Don’t just put your hands in water and bring it out. Nope. Use soap and water to thoroughly scrub your hands. In fact, make sure you sing Naira Marley’s Soapy from the start to the end to time your washing.
2. Use Alcohol-based hand sanitizers:
Regularly use hand sanitizers. Nigerians have been complaining that some pharmacies and supermarkets/companies are inflating the prices of hand sanitizers or that they’re constantly sold out. Buhari epp pls.
People are sharing hand sanitizers, handwashes, masks, gloves for free in other countries but we are hiking prizes of same thing by more than a thousand %. This is beyond poverty mentality, its the height of being evil and inhumane.
The World Health Organisation recommends that you maintain at least a 3 feet distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
The average Nigerian when someone sneezes or coughs around them.
When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
4. No hugs or handshakes if you know what is good for you.
There’s no need. You can seal the deal by nodding your heads, or say hi by waving. Better safe than sorry.
5. If you’re sick, stay at home.
Don’t just stay home and try to self medicate. If you’re showing symptoms of coronavirus, call NCDC toll number 0800-970000-10 or call your doctor. Don’t think that you can “pray” it away. Do the right thing and prevent the spread of coronavirus in Nigeria.
6. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth
Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
7. Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze and cough
With a tissue please. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately. Then wash your hands immediately after.
8. Do not panic
Don’t spread rumours or send fake broadcast messages. Watch the news to get regular updates and stay calm. We can prevent the spread of coronavirus in Nigeria.
Now share this with that Nigerian mum or dad saying the cure to coronavirus is using “sea salt” to take a bath and follow this steps too!
For a while now, Coronavirus has been making the rounds with different countries reporting a new case every day. In Nigeria, we have been spectators since the first incident was reported and we empathized from afar.
However, yesterday, the Nigerian Center for Disease Control informed us of the first reported case of Coronavirus in Nigeria. They also released a press statement concerning the issue and here’s what you should know.
1) The infected person is an Italian citizen who just returned from Milan.
2) The Government in partnership with relevant stakeholders is managing the situation well.
3) We should all take these necessary precautions and be safe.
Please call the toll free number if you suspect anything funny with you or around you. Also, follow the Lagos State Ministry of Health for the latest updates on the outbreak.
4) Please, don’t panic or engage in misinformation.
You should definitely read this to learn more about Corona Virus and how to properly wear a face mask.
On the 31st of December – New Year’s Eve – while Nigerians and the rest of the world were preparing to cross over to a new year, the first case of what is now known as a global health emergency, was reported in Wuhan, China – Coronavirus. Since then, the coronavirus outbreak has spread to over 28 countries, recorded over 70,000 cases and thousands of deaths.
Currently, five European countries have reported cases of coronavirus which link an outbreak in Italy while US officials warn Americans of a likely outbreak in the US.
Don’t panic yet – while there are no known cases in Nigeria, we must take precaution. Let’s start from the top.
What is Coronavirus?
ICYMI: Coronaviruses refer to viruses that affect the respiratory tract of mammals, including humans. Remember SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)? That was a coronavirus. If you heard about MERS (Middle East Respiratory Disease), that was also a coronavirus.
They are common and spread through being in proximity to an infected person and inhaling droplets generated when they cough or sneeze, or touching a surface where these droplets land and then touching one’s face or nose.
Here’s all we know about the relevant dates:
December 31:
The coronavirus outbreak started at the end of 2019 in a poor city in China. When it started, all that was known was that there was an unusual case of pneumonia spreading through the city of Wuhan.
Interestingly, several of the people infected, worked in a market called Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market where dead and live animals including fish and birds were sold. The market was shut down on January 1.
January 7:
The identity of the virus was not known until January 7 when it was identified as belonging to the coronavirus family.
A second death was reported in Wuhan and cases were confirmed in the United States, Nepal, France, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Vietnam and Taiwan confirmed cases over the following days.
January 20:
The WHO said thatthat the coronavirus outbreak did not yet constitute a public emergency of international concern.
South Korea reported its first death from the coronavirus.
February 26:
As of today, the global death toll neared 2,800 with about 80,000 confirmed infection cases reported globally.
Here’s everything you might need to know about keeping yourself safe from Coronavirus.
Dotun is an English teacher and a family man who has spent the last four years, living and growing his family in China.
He tells us about life in China, managing the Coronavirus while it’s running rife and makes his pick between China and Lagos in the face of the virus.
On a scale of 1 to that time we thought the world was going to end in 2012, how seriously are the Chinese taking the Coronavirus right now?
Whatever scale there is, the seriousness breaks it! First off, you know the city where the virus was discovered, Wuhan? Well, if you live there, just pray you can actually stand the family and friends around you because the whole city is on lockdown. Nobody’s leaving until the 14 days for the incubation of the virus passes, and maybe not even after. Residents were told to cancel any trips planned around that period. The country has been placed on a level 1 alert, which is the highest.
See, nobody is playing games with this thing.
Okay. So like 2012 plus that ebola that year, double bracket one or two Nigerian coups. That’s how serious things are. Got it!
For real. I live in a city that’s a long way off from Wuhan, and even there, they’ve directed that public gatherings stop. I left China for a little vacation about a week ago —
[ʷᵉᵉᵏ ᵃᵍᵒ]
Haha. But yeah, I left about a week ago. By that time, they had directed schools to stop holding, no churches, no mosque service, no mass public transport. Just forget all of that for right now.
Wait, wait, hold up. My brain just booted. They let … Oh. So you can leave China right now to another country? Oh yeah. Funny thing is, when I was travelling, there was a kind of health check leaving China. That was when my temperature was automatically checked. Same thing when I got to Ethiopia where I had a stopover. But when I got to my final destination, easy breeze. There was no stop, entered freely.
Gee. With entry into countries being this easy, however, could the Coronavirus have spread to dozens of countries in such little time? Hm, I wonder aloud.
We’ll get back to that. But speaking of China and travels, how did a Dotun find his way from waist training in Lagos with Ambode, to living in Zheng Wei’s backyard?
Oh so first, I came to China to get a Master’s in International Business in English. That was in 2015, right after that, I got a job teaching English to students.
The thing is, every year in China, there’s a big demand for English speakers to move to the country to teach. It’s a pretty basic process to get the visa, they make it that way to encourage applicants. You just submit the necessary forms directed and follow whatever directives are given. I applied for the work visa, got it and moved. That was four years ago. and that’s it really.
Interpretation: opportunity to japa seen and grabbed with both hands.
Well I mean…
But to add to it, it takes about one to two weeks to get an interview. It can go up to four weeks, depending on the load of applicants at the time. If you’re granted the visa, it can take up to seven days for the visa to be issued.
One of the best parts of the process is, you only pay for the visa fee if you’re granted the visa.
Oh nice! So, let’s say I’m a stranger to China, like you were four years ago. What’s one thing I definitely can’t miss about the country. Oh, I know this one, and it definitely takes some getting used to. When you first visit China, you will definitely be overwhelmed by how many people are sharing the road with you. The population is crazy. See, them dey born in that country!
Really? So are we talking say, old Oshodi in Lagos type of crowd? I’m talking you’re walking on the road and it’s as if a mob is following you, you’re saying Oshodi. That crowd is a defining thing about China. It’s crazy.
Got it! So what’ll take second place? Phones! You can’t miss it. If you’re new in China, just pay attention. You’re going to notice people hardly use cash or cards or anything of the sort. Your phone is your wallet, debit card, credit card, everything. You kind of get used to seeing it all the time, but it’s actually the coolest thing.
Wow, everything just slaps different when you’re not living in a third world country. Now as an insider, what are common misconceptions about China that need to die by fire? Definitely some assumptions about the people. The Chinese get a bad rep for being a certain kind of way, maybe selfish, but it is so far from the truth. I’ve had the most wholesome, kind interactions with strangers here, than I’d ever have had in Lagos.
A complete stranger can go out of his way to take you to your destination if you seem lost or confused. I’m saying take an hour out of his time just to make sure you get where you’re headed safely. It’s the nicest thing.
Oh wow! Yeah. Oh, and because China is this big industrial force, you kind of assume it would have industries and factories everywhere, but it is so far from the truth. China is definitely at the top when it comes to using tech to improve processes. It’s not number two or three either.
Oou, fancy! So I’m curious about accommodation. How has manoeuvring that in China been like for you? About this! Remember I mentioned I came here for school? My campus accommodation was added to the fees I paid to the school, so I never had to worry about that. And now, working as a teacher, my employment comes with free accpmmodation, English teachers get that here. So I’ve never had to worry about it really.
Wow, you weaved total package and agent’s fee? Must be so naize. So flexing rent-free must be something to love about living in China. What are your top three picks for the things you love the most about living in China? See, the ease of life in this country? There’s no part two. It’s so easy to get services here. The second thing would have to be the excellent transport system. Short-distance, long-distance, they’ve got you.
Now that’s not to say there’s no traffic. But the thing is, if you’re tired of being up, you just go down. They have an excellent subway system.
Hm. I need you to help me translate ‘Nigeria can you see your mate?’ to Chinese, quick-quick. Ah, small-small. I’m not fluent, I only speak a little Chinese and my colleagues speak a little English. That’s how we cope.
Nvm -尼日利亚你能看到你的伴侣吗？
So what else do you like? I’d have to say being able to have three months off every year because I’m a teacher, that’s pretty great!.
I’m not jealous at all. Now let’s flip it, what don’t you like about living in China? Hmm, let’s see. First thing has to be the crowds in the big cities. I;ve never lived in a big city, but when I have to go to Shanghai or Beijing, it gives me a headache.
And you’re sure Lagos Island during Christmas…
You have to see this crowd first. Well after that, I’d have to say I really don’t like that I don’t Christmas Holiday in China.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS? Haha. So China doesn’t have a Christmas holiday. The Chinese New Year is usually one or two months after Christmas and that’s the main holiday.
Now speaking of holiday. Were you at all scared about the coronavirus when you were on the plane heading to your vacation? Um, to be honest. Not at all. I feel the Chinese government has things under control to a reasonable degree. I mean they just completed a 1000-bed hospital in six days because of the Coronavirus, just to make sure it’s better managed and there’s a reduced risk of a spread.
Six days? 尼日利亚你能看到你的伴侣吗？
Oh yeah! And they’re about to launch a second thousand bed hospital this week. So they’re prepared to a degree. They built similar hospitals in record time when there was the SARS outbreak in China and Hong Kong, they did built similar hospitals in record time.
You know, there’s something interesting about the Coronavirus and the Chinese New Year I mentioned.
What’s that? So the Chinese New Year is just like Christmas, but you know, Christmas for the largest population of people in the world. They’re travelling between countries to be with family and friends and moving all over continents. That’s one major reason why the coronavirus is spread so widely on the globe.
Oh wow.
It actually gets worse. Because the Chinese government was unaware the disease could be transmitted from human to human; they allowed the free movement of people, provided they weren’t coming in contact with sources of the virus. By the time it was discovered that the virus could pass from humans, it had gotten to a worrying stage.
Man, this is terrifying. How does life with the Coronavirus match up with life pre-virus? It’s like living in a ghost town. It’s so lowkey. Before the Coronavirus, In China, especially in the evenings, you’d get people gathering in parks, just hanging out, You’d see old people just dancing at squares, that’s a very popular thing in China, or it used to be.
People just stay in and with the government’s directive, they only go out for the absolute necessities, getting food etc.
Scary. Are you worried about returning to China after your holiday? Truthfully, not at all. I’m sure things would have been under control to a certain degree by then. Or at least I really hope so. Not letting it phase me now though.
So, returning to Lagos or weathering out the Coronavirus in China, what’s winning? You know what? I’d still pick China over Lagos any day.
Can we take it that China is your final bus stop? Oh no, definitely not. My wife is Batswana, and we’ve talked about the idea of moving there permanently. I guess we’ll see.
2020 plis…
In 2020, we’ve had an earthquake, a horrifying wildfire, the threat of a third World War, a plane crash, the loss of a legend and his prodigious daughter (RIP Kobe and Gigi) and now, we have to deal with the coronavirus. It’s only been the first month.
What is a Coronavirus?
Coronaviruses refer to viruses that affect the respiratory tract of mammals, including humans. Remember SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome)? That was a coronavirus. If you heard about MERS (Middle East Respiratory Disease), that was also a coronavirus.
A coronavirus spreads like a cold virus. It can affect the nose, throat or the upper throat and isn’t always dangerous. But you see this one from China?
What do we know about the Wuhan Coronavirus?
Far as we know, the illness causing the coronavirus in Wuhan is novel i.e we never see this kind thing before.
Like other coronaviruses, it is believed to have come from animals, bats being a likely culprit. Many of those infected either worked or frequently shopped in the Huanan seafood wholesale market in the centre of the Chinese city, which also sold live and newly slaughtered animals.
So far, 80 deaths have been reported in the province where the disease first broke and 100,000 people are possibly infected. The disease is reportedly present in the US, South Korea, Japan and a suspected case may be present in Ivory Coast.
A country which, can I say, is dangerously close to Nigeria.
Symptoms of the coronavirus.
Those who have fallen ill are reported to have experienced:
Coughs
Fevers
Breathing difficulties.
In severe cases, organ failure
The virus leads to pneumonia and due to the fact that it is viral pneumonia, antibiotics are of no use. Antiviral drugs against the flu are also ineffective.
Recovery from the disease is largely dependent on how strong the immune system is, with many of the deceased already being in poor health.
The disease is believed to be passed on from person to person. However, before you start drafting your will over a cough you developed this morning — if you haven’t been in contact with any person who recently visited China or been in contact with anyone infected with the virus, your cough is probably just that, a cough.
But to make sure your cough stays that way, you should know a few things about preventing the coronavirus.
Here’s how to prevent the coronavirus.
The UN is currently advising people to do the following:
Frequently wash your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or warm water and soap.
Cover your mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue when sneezing or coughing.
Avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever or cough.
Seek early medical help if they have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, and share their travel history with healthcare providers.
Avoid direct, unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals when visiting live markets in affected areas.
Avoid eating raw or undercooked animal products and exercise care when handling raw meat, milk or animal organs to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods.
Nigeria hasn’t gotten to this stage yet, but should you feel the need to wear a mask to protect yourself, pay attention to this video:
Currently, there is absolutely no cause for alarm in Nigeria over the coronavirus. Be sure to take the necessary precautions, eat healthy to boost your immunity and we’ll be sure to weather this virus out. Here’s to seeing the end of 2020.
