COVID -19 Alarm : NMA Says Not Yet Time to Relax Lockdown Order

It is not yet time to relax the lock down order. Here is an an alarm to state governors

The attention of the  Nigeria Medical Association has been drawn to some isolated statements negating the established measures of preventing COVID-19, social distancing; and orders by some state governors authorizing the mass observance of Jumat prayer and Easter Sunday Services

Of particular concerns are 

1. The declaration by Cross River State Governor that social distancing is not needed while wearing a face mask

2. A moratorium on the lockdown to allow .ass gathering in mosques and churches starting from Friday to Sunday in Rivers State;

3. The lifting of the ban on Friday prayer in Katsina and Kogi State Government

We are aware similar order have also been given in Ondo, Ebonyi and IMO State which have approved mass attendant of Easter Services

While appreciating the prime place of religion in our national lives especially the value christian placed onf Easter, we place on record that there is now the evidence of community transmission of COVID-19. AS SUCH RELEASING any guidelines that promotes mass gatherings in any part of the nation now can only heighten and not flatten the curve of transmission dynamics.

We therefore pray all authorities concerned to record their decision in the interest of safety of lives and implore the Nigeria Police Force and security agencies ensure such gathering do not take place