THE IMPACT OF SOCIAL DISTANCING AND FREQUENT HAND WASHING IN REDUCING THE SPREAD OF CORONA VIRUS IN NIGERIA (A CASE STUDY OF LAGOS STATE)

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY: COVID-19 is a contagious illness caused by a novel virus. The initial documentation of the corona virus sickness occurred in Wuhan, China, and it has subsequently disseminated to over 70 nations worldwide. The disease is characterised by respiratory sickness, similar to influenza, presenting symptoms such as cough, fever, fatigue, and in more severe instances, respiratory distress and mortality. Considerable emphasis has been placed on prevention, with the majority of healthcare professionals calling for regular handwashing using clean flowing water, refraining from touching one's face, and maintaining a safe distance (1 metre or 3 feet) from individuals who are ill. Since the initial case of this virus in Nigeria, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has established safety protocols to prevent its spread and ultimately eliminate the virus. These measures align with the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO) for managing this lethal virus. A recent study conducted in Nigeria has revealed the rapid and widespread transmission of this lethal virus. As a result, the various governments in Nigeria have implemented strict measures to restrict activities and limit gatherings to no more than 20 individuals. Available information suggests that the corona (COVID-19) virus is primarily spread through close contact via respiratory droplets, which can occur when a person coughs or sneezes, as well as through contact with contaminated objects known as fomites. Transmission of the virus occurs through direct person-to-person contact when an individual infected with COVID-19 coughs or exhales, releasing droplets that come into contact with the nose, mouth, or eyes of another person. Alternatively, due to their excessive weight, the droplets do not remain suspended in the air and instead settle on nearby objects and surfaces. Individuals contract the COVID-19 virus through indirect transmission, specifically by coming into contact with contaminated objects or surfaces and subsequently touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. Moreover, the following cessation of activity worldwide in order to promote social separation has had a detrimental impact on the Nigerian economy due to the significant decline in crude oil prices. Therefore, the World Health Organisation (WHO) maintains its suggestion for individuals to practise frequent hand hygiene, adhere to respiratory etiquette guidelines, and regularly sanitise and disinfect surfaces. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reiterates the significance of adhering to physical distancing measures and avoiding individuals exhibiting fever or respiratory symptoms. Implementing these precautionary measures will effectively restrict the spread of the virus.

1.2   STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

The outbreak of the COVID 19 Virus in Nigeria has resulted to several casualties, this has resulted to partial shutdown of economic activities as almost all the states have shut their borders and prevented the free movement of people and goods which has overtime help in the stimulation of the economy. The atrial shutdown as a result of the exponential nature of its spread has made people stay indoors, social events has taken a nose dive and businesses and taken a downward turn. All these have been occasioned as a result of this deadly virus that has continued to ravage the world with china, spain, itaky and the united states of America being regarded as the epicenter as a result of the massive deaths recorded in these countries. The disruption of world pace by this virus has also negatively affected the price of crude oil which has further affected our mono economy (majorly oil dependent).

1.3   OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The main objective of this study is to determine the impact of social distancing and frequent hand washing in reducing the spread of corona virus (covid-19) in Nigeria. Specific objectives include;

i.  To examine impact of the outbreak of Corona (COVID 19) virus on the social life of Nigerians.

ii.  To examine the impact of social distancing and frequent hand washing  on the control of the COVID 19 virus.

iii.  To examine the effect of the COVID 19 on the economy of Nigeria.

iv.  To examine the relationship between proper and adequate sensitization and the spread of the COVID 19 Virus in Nigeria.

v.  To recommend other ways of reducing the spread of COVID 19 Virus in Nigeria.

1.4   RESEARCH QUESTIONS

i.  What is the impact of the outbreak of Corona (COVID-19) virus on the social life of Nigerians?

ii.  What is the impact of social distancing and frequent hand washing on the control of the COVID 19 virus?

iii.  What is the effect of the COVID-19 on the economy of Nigeria?

iv.  What is the relationship between proper and adequate sensitization and the spread of the COVID 19 Virus in Nigeria?

v.  What are the other ways of reducing the spread of COVID 19 Virus in Nigeria?

1.5   RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

Hypothesis I

H0:  The outbreak of Corona (COVID 19) virus has no significant impact on the social life of Nigerians.

H1:  The outbreak of Corona (COVID 19) virus has significant impact on the social life of Nigerians.

Hypothesis II

H0: There is no significant impact of social distancing and frequent hand washing on the control of the COVID I9 Virus in Nigeria.

H1: There is a significant impact of social distancing and frequent hand washing on the control of the COVID I9 Virus in Nigeria.

1.6   SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study would be of immense importance towards containing of this deadly virus and its eventual eradication in Nigeria. Findings from this study would also help in tackling future outbreak of this kind of diseases in Nigeria. This study would also be beneficial to scholars, researchers and students who are willing to develop further studies on the subject matter.

1.7   SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study is on the impact of the social distancing and the frequent hand washing in reducing the spread of the Corna (COVID-19) virus in Nigeria using Lagos state as a case study

1.8   LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

Financial constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint: The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.

1.9   DEFINITION OF TERMS

Social Distancing: Social distancing, also called physical distancing, is a set of non-pharmaceutical interventions or measures taken to prevent the spread of a contagious disease by maintaining a physical distance between people and reducing the number of times people come into close contact with each other.

Hand washing: Hand washing, also known as hand hygiene, is the act of cleaning one's hands to remove soil, grease, microorganisms, or other unwanted substances.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): This is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.