Following the directive by the Rivers State Governor, Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, that residents should make use of face-masks, especially in public places, there have been significant indications that people are complying across different strata, as a way of stemming the spread of the virulent pandemic.
In a survey by the National Network, many residents of Port Harcourt were seen adhering strictly to government’s order. At Mile 4, Rumueme, and Rumuokwuta axis, banks located around these areas were noticed exercising discretion based on customer’s compliance to putting on face-mask. But, while a number of others at the ATM wore their masks, few others on queue did not comply.
Also, a check at Kala Police Station indicates that members of the public who had anything to do with the police division put on their nose and masks, as they were being checked in one by one at the entrance.
In the commercial transport sector, many passengers were seen putting on different kinds of nose and face masks, from commercial masks made by local fashion designers to those purchased at supermarkets and even few surgical nose and face masks were sighted on individuals.
Speaking on the significance of the public compliance, Mr. Kalio Alfred, who identified himself as a health worker, but not in the frontline of COVID-19 , noted that the level of compliance is expected. “It shows that people are largely law abiding and of course, there is the growing awareness about the way the virus spread and how to contain it.
“I believe that government’s order is simple enough, if we must stay safe of coronavirus. I believe that we are even lucky in Rivers State where index case is low and manageable. I believe government is doing the right thing. Nobody will argue it is too much a burden on him or her to wear a nose-mask for his safety”, state Alfred.
Also speaking on the compulsory wearing of the face and nose masks, most especially in public places, Engineer Kole Adeayo of BEFL Construction, praised the Rivers State government for acting to ensure little or no prevalent spread of the virus in the state. He remarked that certain individuals who are yet to come to terms with the reality of the spread of coronavirus needed to be guided by what is happening through the international media where cases have reached a very alarming rate.
Concerning the procurement of the nose masks, local fashion houses and tailors have taken advantage of government’s order by producing the nose masks through local fabrics of different designs. Further findings also indicate that even some individuals took it upon themselves to make nose masks for their personal use and members of their family.
Speaking on the nose masks availability, a seamstress, Madam Jennifer Igwe, whose fashion designer outfit is located at Rumuomoi said that beyond making quick money, the public should salute those in the tailoring industry for thinking it wise to produce the masks locally at giveaway prices.
According to her, the price range by local designers are from N150 to N200, while those who prefer notable supermarkets would pay as much as N1,000 to get a face-mask. She said that the public have been given opportunity to make choices of their preferred fabric colours of the face masks.
“People look at the nose masks as small pieces of fabrics being sold for N200, many have not thought of the opportunity to get one to buy. You can imagine a fashion designer who left other things she would have been doing to make more money, but preferred to make available to the public what would help all of us stay safe. It is not about the money, COVID-19 affects everyone’s livelihood, we are in it together, “she said.
Meanwhile, a few hawkers have added different colours of face-nose to their wares on the road to sell for willing customers.
