COVID-19: Some Nigerians Want Lockdown To Continue - Lai Mohammed Presents Poll Results

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has presented recent outcome of the NOI Polls which indicated that whereas 57 per cent of Nigerians support easing of the lockdown imposed to contain Coronavirus spread, 29 per cent others want restriction of movement to remain. 

Mohammed stated this on Monday at the PTF-COVID-19 daily briefing, comparing  the current results from April survey with what obtained in the last NOI Poll on Covid-19 was conducted in March.

AllNews had reported that President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday extended the gradual easing of the lockdown imposed on the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos and Ogun states by two weeks.

Speaking at the COVID-19 daily briefing, Lai Mohammed said the following:

1. AWARENESS: The level of awareness across the country about Covid-19 is now above 99%, meaning nearly all Nigerians are aware of the disease.

2. IMMUNITY: Whereas 28% of respondents said they believe they are immune to Covid-19 in March, the figure has now dropped to 26%.

3. PREVENTIVE MEASURES: 91% of respondents said they are aware of the different preventive measures

- Hand washing is now at 87%, up by 10%
- Use of face masks is at 85%, up by 22%
- Social distancing is at 55%, up by 43%

4. STIGMATIZATION: This has remained a concern. In the March poll, 81% said they are willing to work with people who recover from Covid-19. That figure dropped to 78% in the current poll

5. EASING OF LOCK DOWN: 57% support the Easing of the lock down announced in April, while 29% did not support it.

6. RISK COMMUNICATION:
- 95% said they have seen or heard advertising, publicity or any other types of information from government about Covid-19.
- 71% said they feel they are getting the information they need from government on Covid-19.