The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has intensified efforts in its ongoing public communications efforts to curtail the spread of COVID-19 through a new campaign themed: #CelebrateResponsibly.
This is in response to the increase in cases of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and poor adherence to public health and social measures across the country.
Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Director-General (D-G), NCDC, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday that this was part of the #TakeResponsibility campaign which began in February 2020.
The D-G said that the campaign was focused specifically on measures Nigerians need to take to protect themselves and loved ones during the Christmas and New Year period.
“In the last two weeks, there has been a rapid increase in the number of COVID-19 cases across the country. As of Dec.17, 2020, a record daily number of 1,145 new confirmed cases were recorded.
“This increase is as a result of a convergence of circumstances which include increased local and international travels, business and religious activities with minimal compliance to COVID-19 safety measures by the members of the public.
“As of Dec. 21, a total of 78,790 cases and 1,227 deaths have been recorded in Nigeria across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with over 70 million cases reported globally,” he explained
Ihekweazu said that the enforcement of adherence to safety measures was not only the sole responsibility of the government, but that individuals and institutions have a responsibility too and need to play their part in ensuring adherence to the preventive measures.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria through the PTF on COVID-19, the Federal Ministry of Information, Federal Ministry of Health as well as NCDC and its partners are intensifying risk and crisis communication efforts to remind Nigerians of their collective responsibility.
“Critically, Nigerians are being urged to adhere to recommended measures by NCDC and other public health authorities, as they celebrate Christmas and New Year.
“Please avoid all non-essential travel within and outside Nigeria to reduce the risk of transmission. The virus that causes COVID-19 is more likely to spread in mass gatherings especially when held indoors.
“We advise that people avoid mass gatherings during this time, or hold them outdoors with physical distancing, compulsory use of facemasks and provision of handwashing facilities or hand sanitiser,” he advised.
The NCDC boss said the campaign with theme ,“Celebrate Responsibly’’ was being implemented with the Federal Ministry of Information and other Government Institutions and partners involved in the COVID-19 response.
According to him, it emphasises the responsibility of Nigerians, the government, private sectors, institutions, associations, communities and individuals in implementing and adhering to the COVID-19 prevention and response measures.
“The campaign is specifically focused on the next four weeks, which include the Christmas, New Year holiday and start of the new year, as there is a need to reinforce to Nigerians that now is not the time to let down our guard.
“COVID-19 has continued to threaten lives and livelihoods and we must take all precautions necessary.
“It will include the production of audio and visual materials which have been translated to local languages, for wide dissemination.
“The NCDC urges all individuals, traditional and religious leaders, business owners, the media and other institutions to join the campaign.
“The Celebrate Responsibly campaign calls on all Nigerians to take all necessary precautions for a safe and healthy Christmas.
“To download materials for the campaign, please visit www.covid19.ncdc.gov.ng or contact [email protected],” he said.
