The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has expressed concerns that the proportion of Nigerians who are no longer concerned about COVID-19 and believe it does not exist has increased and is on the rise while warning that the virus is still deadly and claiming lives in the country.
Yahya Disu, Head of Risk Communication, NCDC said the recent weekly opinion poll conducted by the Centre found that more Nigerians are no longer afraid of the virus, and publicity around the disease has also declined.
Disu, Quoting findings from the polls said 72% of Nigerians did not either feel threatened nor have confidence to adopt protective behaviour.
Disu said this at a virtual webinar with the theme “Addressing Poor Adherence to COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines.” organised by Widows and Orphans Empowerment Organisation (WEWE).
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“The proportion of Nigerians that are worried about COVID-19 declining. People don’t care anymore, they are nor afraid. We now have more people who believe that the virus is not real. People are tired of COVID-19 but is COVID-19 tired of people, it is still claiming lives”, he cried.
Disu further regrets that the consequence of apathy is that the adherence to COVID-19 prevention protocols has also decline. He alo expressed concern rhat infection may worsen as the festive period approaches with a mass return of Nigerians from the Diaspora
“Therefore, there is still a likelihood of more cases coming into Nigeria.
This is not the time to relax our guards. The erroneous belief that COVID-19 has been conquered and is no more in Nigeria should be discarded”, he said.
Senator Iroegbu, publisher, Global Sentinel on his part noted that misinformation marred the pandemic and there is also growing fake news around the COVID-19 vaccine.
He, therefore, called for professionalism on the part of media professionals and more proactiveness in disseminating information by other stakeholders to curb the spread of fake news.
