Anap Think Tank endorses extension of lockdown

The Anap Foundation COVID-19 Think Tank, a group established to respond to the coronavirus disease, has endorsed the extension of lockdown in the federal capital territory (FCT), Lagos and Ogun states.

President Muhammadu Buhari first ordered a two-week lockdown on March 30, and on Monday, he extended it by two weeks. 

 The president said he decided to extend the lockdown to ensure that the disease, which is now being transmitted within communities, is checked.

In a statement on Tuesday, Atedo Peterside and Abubakar Mohammed, chairman and vice chairman of Anap Foundation COVID-19 Think Tank, asked the government to make provisions for the poor who are asked to embrace the lockdown. 

“The Anap Foundation COVID-19 Think Tank endorses President Muhammadu Buhari’s extension of the lockdown in Lagos, Ogun and FCT and his important guidance on the urgent need for the entire nation to embrace social distancing to an extent feasible,” the statement read.

“It is our submission that each State, LGA and community has to ‘localise’ its own lockdown and/or social distancing strategies, in relation to its unique circumstances and peculiarities; one size cannot fit all on this subject. Amongst other supportive measures, critical attention must be given to providing an enhanced safety net for the poor; beyond what the Federal Government (FG) itself has offered. 

“Certainly, our understanding is that FG is not stopping other tiers of government, the private sector, NGOs etc., from doing more for the poor and needy; for there is a risk in having the latter become increasingly marginalised or uncooperative at this time on account of hunger and other unmet basic needs. 

“The Police (and not the Army) should also be on guard to nip the risk of looting and violence in the bud because it is the right thing to do. We should also aim to ensure that the entire populace has at least two washable masks each, which they should wear when outside of their homes. In addition, although we commend the current efforts made in dispersing general messaging about hygiene, hand washing and sanitising, we propose that these should be increased using a range of media channels, including radio jingles, TV advertisements, posters, social media, newspapers, etc. 

“Furthermore, while isolated in communities, people can be put to productive work – i.e. distributing health and safety information, sewing masks,  gowns etc., and supporting farming and the transportation and distribution of food and other essential needs.”