New COVID-19 wave rapidly claiming lives, says LUTH CMD

Chief Medical Director (CMD), Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi-Araba, Lagos Prof. Chris Bode has said COVID-19 second wave is ravaging the country and claiming many lives.

He stated this at a news conference in Lagos on Wednesday, warning Nigerians to be more careful and take the safety protocols very seriously.

He said, “The resurgence of COVID-19, through the newly mutated form, is ravaging our land, claiming many lives.

“Unlike what we witnessed in the first wave, this one is even more easily transmitted and deadlier too.

“It is, therefore, imperative for everyone, first and foremost, accept that COVID-19 pandemic is not over, and we must prepare to confront it all over again.

“What we see on the streets, worship centres and social interactions, parties and daily activities call for concern.

“In a period when the `enemy’ has doubled back and is attacking us ferociously, we seem to be celebrating a false victory and denying the danger is still around us.

“We need to observe all the basic rules we have been following all along and wake up to the present reality.”

Bode advised the public to shelve all forms of social engagement such as parties, churches, mosques, meetings.

The LUTH CMD said, “Tell yourself it was better to stay alive. Wash your hands frequently and before you touch the face, eyes and mouth.

“Wear face mask obligatory (most important), maintain a social distance of at least six feet away from others where you must be with anyone.

“Do not hold face-to-face meetings with others, go virtual for now; if you love your aged relations, insist on these tenets for now. Do not go visiting them until the pandemic goes away.”

He also said, “We have seen an upsurge in the number of people who keep treating ‘malaria’ instead of going for the COVID test.

“Many such then start using all sorts of steam inhalation and home remedies for their cough and chest congestion.

“It is not helpful to do this, especially if you are also diabetic, hypertensive or with a number of other health baggage or above the age of 60.”

Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, said everyone had thought that the pandemic was over.

Adeyemo said that there were periods in November that the hospital had zero admittance in its wards.

Adeyemo appealed to the media to enlighten the public, in terms of conspiracy theory, stressing that it was important to keep to the rules and help each other.