Dr Francis Faduyile | Credit: The PunchNigerian medical doctors, under the canopy of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) have raised alarm on the danger of rapid spread of coronavirus to communities following the relaxing of the lockdown order by some state governors.
They warned that such measure will only heighten the transmission of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, as there are evidences of community transmission in the country.
The Association particularly noted with serious concern the comment by the Governor of Cross River State, Professor Ben Ayade, that social distancing is not needed while wearing a face mask.
Some states governors have recently ordered the relaxation of the lockdown orders and approved mass observance of Jumat prayers and Easter Sunday services.
“Of particular concern are: 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 Katsina and Kogi States government.
“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.
