COVID-19 Is Back (It Never Left)

COVID-19 Is Back (It Never Left)
31/12/2020 Waniete
Covid 19

The National Center For Disease Control (NCDC) reported a record high of 930 and 459 new cases on the 16th and 17th of December. The much talked about ‘second wave’ is upon us.

The numbers have been steadily rising and even surpassing previous levels both in new cases and deaths. This has led to new restrictions or even lockdowns.

Why is there a resurgence?

The reasons for this include but are not restricted to;

  1. The weather; globally temperatures are dropping so more people will tend towards staying indoors or in enclosed spaces.
  2. The time of the year; is characterized by families, religious and corporate bodies congregating to celebrate the end of the year and of course Christmas.
  3. COVID-19 fatigue; most people are tired of all the restrictions that have been placed on social activities. This has led a lot of people to flout the guidelines.
  4. The cyclical nature of epidemics; right from the moment we got off the plateau of the first wave, experts predicted a second wave, citing the first two reasons as the motivating factors.

 What Can You Do Differently?

Restrict contact with those you do not live with.

The precautions that were passed previously in the first phase are still quite valid and useful in the second wave;

  • Wash your hands
  • Wear a facemask
  • Maintain social distancing in public.

If you or anyone around you develops symptoms, please reach out to the NCDC on their toll-free number; 0800 970000 10. Some private laboratories have been licensed to offer COVID-19 tests in Lagos so you can use those for a fee as well.

As the numbers rise, you or people you know might test positive.

Once a person tests positive, they should isolate themselves from other members of their household. They should wear a mask at all times and take the medications as prescribed by the NCDC.

Please avoid large social gatherings. Should you be in one for any reason, wear a mask at all times and wash your hands once you get back home. Please sanitize your hands when you’re in public places (have yours on you all the time)

In case you have travel plans  the NCDC has issued a travel advisory for the yuletide period;, and there is also an international travel directory;

Thankfully, a number of pharmaceutical companies have manufactured and published highly effective vaccine results. These are yet to be approved for distribution in Nigeria.

In the meantime, please check for updates from the NCDC, avoid large gatherings, wash/sanitize your hands regularly, wear a facemask and be socially distant in public.


Compliment of the season to you and yours from everyone at HygeiaHMO.

By Dr. Okonkwor Oyor C.


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