Nigerians Speak on COVID-19 Facemask
Erdoo Due
Facemask, one of the precautionary measures advised by National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and medical experts as regards Coronavirus/Covid-19 has become a necessity in the country without which one is not to leave his/her home. This alongside regular washing of hands, social distancing and use of alcohol based hand sanitizers have been in practice since the onset of Covid-19 pandemic however, the most contended is the use of facemask.
How has the use of facemask affected Nigerians, the Transmitter draws views from a cross section of Nigerians in this edition.
Iortyom Kelvin said “facemask is a very good idea for the people of Nigeria most especially in this time of Covid-19. It is very cheap and affordable with price ranging from 100 to 200 naira.
Eunice Mwuese a business woman said “I don’t like wearing a mask on my face anytime I have to go out; it is really tiring and makes me feel sick. I cannot even talk properly when the mask is on my face, talk less of hearing my customers who wear it. For me with or without a facemask I will not contract Covid-19 by the grace of God.”
Phillip Bem said facemask is good and protective against germs and viruses including Covid 19. He also said “I feel really comfortable wearing the mask but from time to time I remove it to get fresh air. The medical mask seems more comfortable compared to those locally made; the local ones tend to produce odour when worn for long. I would encourage members of the public to adhere to utilization of a mask.”
Deborah Diko said “I don’t wear a mask often, even when I produce them because the ear pain I feel when I wear a mask is massive.”
According to Loveday Emecheffor, the use of facemask is a rule set down by the federal government of Nigeria thus, making its use mandatory for all citizens of the country but “it is really inconveniencing to me most especially in terms of breathing properly so, I use it only when I have contacts with people most of who don’t wear mask, although I insist on them washing their hands.”
A medical expert, Dr. Terna Ekpendu said the use of facemask has no side effects as claimed by some users. However, he said the issues arising from its use are dependent on individuals. Generally, those with respiratory issues may find its use more problematic as compared to those without respiratory disorders even though some complain about breathe restrictions when used for long hours, he explained. Amid the Covid-19 the use of facemask is inevitable, it may seem inconveniencing to a lot of people, but the only way to avoid it is by staying at home. It should also be noted that, a surgical facemask is designed for a single use just like hand gloves. Repeated usage could lead to contaminants including the Coronavirus. The fabricated ones, experts say are allowed for multiple usages if properly taken care of; washing with warm water, soap and subsequently drying under the sun. it could be inconveniencing to many, but it should be understood that we are desperate times and such times require desperate measures.
