People & Money

COVID-19: How to Reopen the Economy

The COVID-19 crisis nears 800 cases in Nigeria and it is at a slow pace. The pandemic has had a dreadful impact on the lives of citizens, with many cities under lockdown and offices closed. The need for compulsory isolation has caused the economy to stall.

The restriction on economic activities will not last forever. Adequate measures must be taken to avoid the occurrence of a surge in infection rates if Nigeria must exit lockdown. All hands must be on deck and certain sectors will have to make adjustments to their modes of operations.

Here, we look at how Nigeria can open the economy in a more easing process without recording a surge in coronavirus cases.

OPENING BANKS

Prohibit unnecessary offline transactions: This is to ensure that bankers only attend to those who have absolutely no other option for the transaction. By doing this, any transaction which can be done online (e.g. cash transfer) should not be allowed. It will reduce the number of customers banks have to deal with and the likelihood of needless crowd in the banking hall.

Enforce social distancing: Bank officials should ensure that social distancing is observed for those customers that need to transact in the banking hall. They must be mandated to stand at a distance from each other. Those who flout the rules and endanger others must be booted out. Such strict measures will pay for everyone at the end of the day.

Short breaks for cashiers: Needless to say, wearing facemasks is not negotiable, especially for those whose jobs require them to come into contact with many people. Though facemasks can also be very uncomfortable, at times, with breathing difficulty, users should be given a few minutes away from the public to relax and sanitise. Bank cashiers fit this bill. All of these must be put into account when designing their work schedule. Regular breaks should be inserted into the workflow to ease workers off the discomfort of a face mask.

TRANSPORTATION

Less passengers: Transport workers should ensure fewer passengers; either a taxi or long bus, to align with social distancing. It may sound cruel, but that is the only measure to protect the health and lives of citizens. What is the point in telling people to maintain social distancing in banks and markets if they arrived there in packed buses?  While a taxi should be able to take one person at the front seat and one at the back, buses do barest minimum passengers.

All passengers must wear facemasks: Passengers should be mandated to wear facemasks. Anyone not wearing a facemask should be denied entry to public transportation.

Police checkpoints set up at major bus stop: One should expect Nigerians to show stubbornness during these times. It could be an overeager bus conductor filling the bus past the limit or a taxi driver looking to make extra cash. It is necessary to ensure everyone follows the rules. Security officials should be onsite to inspect vehicles moving on the road and ensure every single one of them is keeping to the passenger limit.

MARKETS

Social distancing in markets: As shown in our recent photo story, people are finding it difficult to obey social distancing rules in markets. A lot of people are going about their daily activities as though social distancing were a mere suggestion and not a state-mandated measure for curbing the pandemic. Nigeria can take a cue from India and draw up boxes or circles to keep people apart.

Hand-washing points situated in all markets: If the coronavirus pandemic has taught us anything, it is that cleanliness is paramount. And the marketplace is the biggest threat to that. Money exchanges hands, goods are passed from one person to another, food items are left in the open. To fix this, at least, we need to set up small posts where people can wash their hands with soap and water and use sanitiser as they move from one point of the market to another.

OFFICES

Work from-home policy: Offices should learn to embrace the new reality that less is more in tackling the virus. Every form of gathering should be discouraged unless very necessary. But of course, work must go on. However, for offices that can afford to, certain workers can be asked to work from home. Some have already learned to adapt to working from home during the lockdown.

Social contact discouraged: In large offices, employees should be discouraged from actions that require prolonged contact with other employees. For instance, taking the stairs instead of elevators reduces the likelihood of being stuck in a confined space with others. Also, physical meetings in closed conference rooms should be substituted for virtual communication.

Hand sanitizers provided: Hand sanitisers should be provided at points of entry and restrooms in all workplaces.

Sick employees sent home: Temperature checks should be done regularly, and any sick employee should be advised to work from home.

OTHERS

Restaurants, cafes, and bookstores should be encouraged to go on-line with their services. People can wine and dine in their homes. The same thing goes for retail services like bookstores. They could place pictures of their stocks online. Practically, everyone should embrace an online market place, and stores in local areas should observe strict social distancing for customers.

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