CMDA Nigeria Expert Opinion Series 1.02

A CMDA Nigeria commentary on emerging issues

COVID-19 RESPONSE 02: DISTRIBUTION SITES FOR FOOD AND OTHER RELIEF MATERIALS AS HOTSPOTS FOR TRANSMISSION

Background

The effort of state governments and various humanitarian organisations to provide some social succour and support to vulnerable Nigerians as a fallout of the lockdown as a containment measure for the COVID-19 is highly commendable. However, the enormous needs by citizens and the strategy for distribution of food and other relief items like hand sanitisers and face masks, creates a situation that negates the principle of physical distancing. The implication is that food and relief distribution sites may become potential sites for transmission of COVID-19.

Recommendations

1. The current approach needs to be modified and less risky approaches adopted to promote the ideals of physical distancing adopted.
2. A door-to-door delivery of food and other relief items, with a prior notice to residents to remain indoors until called upon by distribution staff, should be adopted. This would limit physical contact among residents, as well as between residents and distribution staff, thus reducing risk of infection transmission.
3. Existing community social infrastructure should be leveraged upon to ease identification of individuals in need, and distribution of relief items.

Reference

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5xMidX1fI9Q
2. https://www.africanews.com/2020/04/03/close-up-social-distancing-as-lagos-distributes-coronavirus-food-aid//

5^th April 2020