ECOWAS speaker calls for calm amid COVID- 19 panic urges personal hygiene.

By Punarimam Fehintola

The speaker of the Economic of West African states ECOWAS Parliament Honorable Sidie Mohamed Tunis has called for calm across the Ecowas region as the Covid 19 endemic continues to rage in some Ecowas member states.
According to a statement made available to the press , the speaker  commended the proactive efforts government in the sub region have made so far.’I wish to use this medium to commend the pro-active efforts of our Governments in the subregion. They have indeed acted fast, under the circumstances, by putting in place several measures that would help limit the spread of the virus. In particular, I wish to commend the travel restriction imposed on countries hard hit by the disease. Furthermore, the immediate creation of isolation centers, shows the willingness to address the scourge head-on. There may, however, be the need to expand existing isolation facilities and get them fully equipped with additional beds, ventilators, and other essential medical supplies. Furthermore, our Governments need to make adequate provision to protect our first respondents. Here, I am referring to our dedicated Doctors, Nurses and other auxiliary medical personnel, who put their lives on the line to respond to emergencies. The basic supplies needed should be provided, especially hand gloves, face masks and protective jackets. 
Honourable Tunis also added that citizens must also avoid any form of panic and face the situation boldly. “We should also adhere strictly to medical advice, especially as it relates to the following: • Personal Hygiene: The constant washing of hands should be observed, using soap and running water. The use of hand sanitizer is also highly encouraged; • Social distancing should be observed at all times. We should avoid large gatherings of people; • Travel restrictions should be adhered to. We should not travel if we have no reason to travel;  • Avoid fake news especially unscientific theories to the effect that COVID 19 does not affect Africans or that our tropical climatic conditions have significant impact against it. These theories do not have any scientific backing and should immediately be discarded; • Avoid self- medication. Where we experience any of the symptoms, the hospital is the first point of call. As yet, there is no proof that herbs and other forms of traditional medicines can cure the disease. Also, there is yet no proof that an overdose of Chloroquine is a cure; • Avoid complacency, especially comparing our ebola experience in 2014 to the current situation. While we are dealing with a virus, as in the case ebola, the characteristics of the present virus differs significantly from ebola.  He further directed that directed that all political activities of the ECOWAS Parliament be put on hold. “These include the activities of the Adhoc committee on Election of Members by Direct Universal Suffrage. We will continue to monitor the current situation as it unfolds to determine the appropriateness or otherwise of holding the 2020 1st Ordinary Session, usually scheduled in the month of May”.