Coronavirus: NMA kicks against moves by Governors to ease lockdown

The Nigerian Association (NMA) has kicked against moves by some governors to relax measures put in place to reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in some states of the federation.

The NMA, in a statement jointly signed by its President and Secretary General, Dr. Francis Faduyile and Dr. Olumuyiwa Odusote, respectively, called on the state governments concerned to rescind their decision in the interest of safety of lives.

The body further expressed rude shock over the comments attributed to the Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, that social distancing is not needed while wearing a face mask.

It would be recalled that some state governors have since ordered the relaxation of the lockdown orders and authorised mass observance of Jumat prayers and Easter Sunday services.

The NMA also appealed to the Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies to ensure that such gatherings do not take place.

“The attention of the NMA has been drawn to some isolated statements negating the established measure of preventing Covid-19- social distancing; and orders by some state governors authorising the mass observance of Jumat prayers and Easter Sunday services.

“Of particular concern are the moratorium on the lockdown to allow mass gathering in mosques and churches starting from Friday to Sunday in Rivers State and the lifting of the ban on Friday prayers by Katsina and Kogi State Governments.

“We are aware that similar orders have also been given in Ondo, Ebonyi and Imo states which have approved mass attendance of Easter services.

“While appreciating the prime place of religion in our national lives and especially the value Christians place on Easter, we place on record that there is now the evidence of community transmission of Covid-19.

“As such, relaxing any guideline that promotes mass gatherings in any part of our nation now can only heighten and not flatten the curve of transmission dynamics.”

“We therefore pray all authorities concerned to rescind their decision in the interest of safety of lives and implore the Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies ensure that such gatherings do not take place”, the statement added.

The NMA also called for thorough screening of the visiting Chinese medical team by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), and other relevant regulatory bodies.

“We call on all healthcare professionals to be wary of un-certified Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) from China. “We demand a thorough screening of the medical team of experts by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) and other relevant regulatory bodies to verify their status.

“We further call on the Federal Government to publish the names, designations/status and qualifications of the Chinese medical experts.’’