Lagos residents jettison wearing of face masks

Residents of Lagos State are ignoring the use of face masks despite the recent increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in the state. Eko Trust observed that most residents go about their daily activities without the use of the personal protective equipment recommended by health agencies and the government to prevent the spread of the virus.

A resident, Seyi Ajiloko, said there is no need for him to wear a face mask as he does not have the virus. Ajiloko, who expressed doubt over the virus, said he has a strong immune system.

On his part, Mr Uche Godwin, who was also without a face mask at the popular First Gate bus stop along Agidingbi road, said the weather conditions in Africa has limited the potency of the virus.

“Those abroad are more exposed to the virus because of their weather. The virus is not active in Nigeria because of the ‘harsh’ weather here,” he claimed. The claim has been disputed by medical experts.

Another passer-by, Mr Opemipo Sikekiko, who works around Ikeja, said he forgot his facemask at home.

“COVID-19 is real. I do use my face mask but I forgot it at home today,” he said.

However, Mrs Afolake Bello, who is in her 40s, was seen using her face mask. She said wearing the protective equipment is essential to be safe from the virus and also it is an act of patriotism to help the country curb the spread.

Mrs Bello, who said she has been vaccinated, urged the government to create more awareness on the benefits of wearing face masks and the danger of COVID-19.

Lagos is the epicentre of COVID-19 in Nigeria, accounting for more than 37 per cent of the total reported cases in the country.

A medical laboratory expert, Olumide Fadipe has said that diseases and sickness will be properly managed, controlled and prevented in Nigeria if physicians insist on adequate and effective medical laboratory diagnosis before treating patients.

Fadipe, who is the Lagos Chairman, Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria identified lack of awareness on the part of Nigerians as well as economic factors as the reasons most Nigerians ignore laboratory investigations.

“Nigerians need to focus on international best practices, after the doctor has seen a patient, he should insist the patient goes to a registered laboratory for investigations before treatment,” he said.

The laboratory scientist said this in Lagos during the flag-off ceremony of the 2021 ISN Medical Laboratory Scientist of the Year Award.

The Director, ISN Products Nigeria Limited, Mr Felix Ofungwu noted that for several years, qualitydriven medical laboratory scientists have served as the unsung heroes, carrying out their duties thanklessly and silently, hence the need to recognise and reward outstanding medical laboratory scientists.