Anap Foundation’s Covid-19 taskforce is calling on the government to monitor and define the extent to which it will modify partial lockdowns so as to allow for some economic activities that will ensure the right balance between public health and economic sustainability
In a statement Sunday, the foundation said “whilst the easing and modification of lockdown measures have met with varying degrees of success, we underscore the need to increase the intensity of a sound and effective communication strategy which ensures that the public is alive to the dangers of COVID-19 and its potential for exponential growth if we let our guard down.“
It warned that the “unchecked behaviour and violations of public health advice regarding minimising physical and social contact, observing personal hygiene e.g. failure to wash hands frequently and/or use sanitizers and/or wear cloth face coverings in public will lead to the rapid spread of COVID-19.”
The foundation noted the recent clamour by religious leaders to allow physical congregation since limited economic activities have commenced.
According to Anap foundation, “worship can take place personally, at home or virtually and we firmly believe that it is not yet time to allow congregational religious activities. Religious and social gatherings, ceremonies and economic activities which have a strong propensity for physical contact should not be the priority at this time.”
The foundation recommended the intensification of behaviour change communication campaigns on physical distancing, hand washing and wearing cloth face coverings in public in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
It called for the lifting of curfew where they exist or for it to be limited to the hours of 11pm to 5am as well as the increase in business hours allowable including reserving one or two hours for the elderly especially in banks and supermarkets in consideration of their extra vulnerability to Covid-19.
