The World Health Organisation warned that any premature lifting of restrictions imposed to control the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to a fatal resurgence of the new coronavirus.
WHO chief, Tedros Ghebreyesus, told a virtual press conference in Geneva, “I know that some countries are already planning the transition out of stay-at-home restrictions.
“WHO wants to see restrictions lifted as much as anyone. At the same time, lifting restrictions too quickly could lead to a deadly resurgence. The way down can be as dangerous as the way up if not managed properly. WHO is working with affected countries on strategies for gradually and safely easing restrictions.”
Similarly, the Nigerian Medical Association on Friday called on state governments not to place religious consideration above public health issue in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement signed by the President of the association, Dr Francis Faduyile, and the Secretary General, Dr Olumuyiwa Odustote, the NMA called on states not to relax the lockdown measure yet because of Easter celebration or Jumat service.
The statement said, “The attention of the Nigerian Medical Association has been drawn to some isolated statements negating the established measure of preventing COVID-19 and orders by some state governors authorising the mass observance of Jumat prayers and Easter Sunday services.
“Of particular concern is the declaration by the Cross River State Governor that social distancing is not needed while wearing a face mask; a 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 the 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.”
NMA warned that with more community transmission of COVID-19 being reported in the country, it was vital to eschew any measure that would promote mass gathering.
It added, “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 gathering 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 Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to ensure that such gatherings do not take place.”
Similarly, a former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, said it was wrong to relax the coronavirus lockdown because of religious reasons.
Speaking on a programme on Arise Television on Friday, Obi said the coronavirus pandemic was getting out of hand and that the country did not have enough resources to manage it, TheCable reported.
He said states which had relaxed the lockdown for Easter celebrations did not have enough ventilators should the crisis escalate.
“It is wrong to relax the lockdown because of people going to church. Faith is a thing of the mind. You can worship without going to church,” Obi said.
“We have a crisis that we don’t have the resources to manage. The greatest country in the world is America. They are on their knees now healthwise and economically. We should not allow that because we cannot manage it.
“Lock up Nigeria and we will solve our problems from within.”
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