IT is not yet Uhuru. The government and people of Nigeria must gird their loins.

Covid-19 is now a chameleon. It is changing its colour and form and producing more devastating effects at a greater speed. Today, the Delta variant is wrecking much havoc. At an alarming rate, patients are dying. Should citizens not take heed?

Covid is not a respecter of persons, positions, status or ranks. It does not discriminate. That it is an exclusive infection ravaging the elite is a fallacy. Only those who faithfully observe the anti-Covid protocols are insulated. Vigilance is of utmost importance.

It is worrisome that the the new variant has drawn the curtains on the life of some eminent persons. The growing casualties portent doom. A greater number may have passed on due to the same reason, without making newspapers’ headlines.

There is no respite yet across the globe, despite the vaccination.  The vaccines are not permanent cure. In Nigeria, only a fraction of the elite took the jab, although it is free. Many people shunned the opportunity to their peril. Some even despised it, saying that it was strange. Others are engulfed by the fear of the unknown.

However, the vaccines cannot also go round, if there is effective mobilisation and positive response to them. Only a tiny fraction of the huge population have received the vaccines.

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So far, there are no reported cases of complications after taking the vaccines. Thus, the fear of unforseen circumstance is unfounded.

Nigeria, like many countries, is not lucky. Apart from battling economic downturn, terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, sepatist agitations and other forms of insecurity, other medical challenges are compounding the national emergency. In a number of states, cholera is on the prowl, killing hundreds; old and young. Cases of cow pox have also been reported. If the statistics of deaths resulting from malaria and typhoid are collated, the country will be jolted out of its delusion that it has a sustainable health sector.

Few weeks ago, experts also warned about the rising HIV cases.

To compound the present woes, resident doctors are now on strike. The practitioners are complaining about poor welfare and abnornmal working environment. Three ministers are flexing muscles with them. The battle has now shifted to the industrial court.

The greater impact is felt by patients on sick beds in those deserted hospitals. Relations are now evacuating their loved ones from those General Hospitals that have become death traps.

According to the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Covid-19 cases are growing in leaps and bounds. A 97 per cent increase in new confirmed cases were recorded in three days during the week.  On Monday, 584 cases were reported. Three days later, the figures had nearly doubled. Thursday’s figure of 1,149 was worrisome. But, are these facts and figures beyond expectation?

Consequently, the death rate increased by 53 per cent and no fewer than 17 persons have died of the disease in the last seven days. The awful picture of prevalence shows that in the last 12 days, over 6, 507 new infections were reported nationwide, representing 73 per cent. Sadly, also in the last 10 days, no fewer than 49 people have lost their lives due to the dreadful pandemic.

Lagos, the Centre of Excellence, remains the epic centre, with 54, 401 in two weeks. While Rivers recorded 1, 365 in two weeks, Akwa Ibom recorded 980 during the same period.

In the last two and half years, more than 184, 593 cases have starred the country in the face. Also, the death of 2,236 people is quite alarming.

Amid the anti-Covid war, Nigerians have relaxed. It is business as usual. While big economies are intensifying campaigns and public enlightenment programmes, Nigeria ‘s disposition is a wide departure.

In some developed countries, incentives are even offered to citizens to motivate them to turn up for testing and vaccination in public interest. But, most Nigerians defile warnings that can steer them away from disaster.

Although the NCDC has been up and doing, there is no corresponding effort at the state level, except in few states.  Many states lack adequate testing capacity. State authorities are approaching a serious matters like a child’s play. Nigerians loathe another lockdown. Yet, they are disposed to turning their backs at testing, vaccination and preventive guidelines.

The protocols are breached at will. The compliance level is so low that people have turned the covid matter into jokes. They insist on the nebulous belief that the figures are fabricated. Enforcement is weak, in government offices, private concerns and schools.

Why are people finding it difficult to use nose masks? Those who use it merely decorate their cheeks with the masks. Only one out of 100 people remember to even use it. They are not expensive. But, many buy and keep them in their bags or pockets. Except when they are going to the bank or travelling by plane, they do not bother to use it in other locations.

Some companies and eateries in urban centres still provide soap and water  for hand washing  for visitors and customers. Only few individuals now go out with hand sanitisers.

The importance of social distancing has to be explained all over again. People have resumed the habit of handshake and hugging. In crowded schools and churches, the protocols are jettisoned when the cases are surging. The gains of previous compliance are wiped out.

Federal Government colleges or unity schools provide thermometers for checking boarding students before they are allowed into the dormitories and day students before they enter school gates. Only few public schools have these facilities.

At motor parks, drivers still argue over whether the pestilence is real. They would ask: is this thing real? Does it really exist? They joke and laugh over a looming trouble.

The reopening of markets marked the end of Covid regulations in the rural and urban centres. Yet, the danger of constant and consistent transmission is real. It is true that casualties have not been reported among the youths. But, doctors continue to warn that those already nursing underlying ailments are at a greater risk.

The Delta variant, according to NCDC, is stubborn. It is highly contagious and can kill in few days without much symptoms.

The variant came at a time Nigeria was recovering gradually from the previous effects. Thus, much gains were wiped out.

The source of relief is that Covid is not beyond solution. But, the solution is what is being avoided by Nigerians. Since prevention is less expensive and better than cure, Nigerians should embrace the simple option to avoid calamity. Even, the process of medication or treatment is tedious, frightening and painful. To neglect the rules is to become a carrier or vessels for its spread.

Adherence to Infection Prevention and Control Measures is not burdensome. The elements are what have been described as the ‘new normal’: hand washing with soap and flowing water or hand sanitising, proper wearing of face marks, greetings by elbows, avoidance of large gatherings and maintenance of social distance.

Government at all levels should sustain the enlightenment on radio, television, newspapers and the social media.

The airports should be closely monitored. Surveillance at the entry may contain some vectors and their capacity to spread Covid.

Schools should vigorously enforce the compliance. Churches and mosques should be at the forefront of the awareness campaigns. In Nigeria, people listen more to their pastors and Imams. Religious houses should enforce social distancing.

State governments should expand existing medical facilities in the isolation centres.

The anti-Covid battle is for all to fight and win. It is better to survive than to sink. To survive, obey the protocols.