Safety First, Africa
The coronavirus is spreading across the world, and the far-reaching implications cannot be quantified yet. Globally, the disease has raised health and economic concerns, amidst others, and a direct hit on Africa, the 2nd most populous continent, could trigger a global nightmare.
This must be avoided.
The Tony Elumelu Foundation wants to ensure that Africans are safe, informed and equipped to deal with this menace to stall its spread.
These are helpful suggestions to help us deal with this together:
Don’t panic. Don’t Spread Rumours.
Firstly, don’t panic, and more importantly, don’t spread panic-driven rumours. At a time like this, it is important that you remain calm enough to receive, process and absorb critical information before taking any action.
We know the implications of rumours in our society. They can cause more damage than the disease if special care is not taken so please discourage others from spreading false information.
Verify all information
We always speak about private and public sector collaboration, and this is one scenario where this becomes important.
Whatever information you receive on the coronavirus, it is important that you verify the information first with the relevant government authorities. This way, we work together to achieve the same goal of stopping the spread of Covid-19.
Health First
While business is important, your life and the lives of your loved ones matter more.
Observe specific actions as outlined by the World Health Organisation and by our local health authorities, including:
- Avoiding crowded spaces
- Observing social distancing
- Washing your hands regularly
- Using a hand sanitiser
- Not touching your face
- Eating healthy to strengthen your immune system
- Observing the self-isolation regulations if you travel
- Contacting the nearest health personnel if you observe Covid-19 symptoms
- Working remotely, if you can
Contingency and Business Continuity Plan
Prepare for worse case scenarios, especially if your country announces a lockdown. Review your business processes in areas that may suffer if you have to take time off work and prepare solutions to mitigate the risks.
In conclusion, we are hopeful that this too will pass and quickly at that, but we must all work together at this time to preserve the lives of the people around us and ensure that the negative impact on the socio-economic climate of our dear continent is reduced to the barest minimum.
Safety first.
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