ISSN: 2642-6250
Authors: Obioma A*, Reuben AA and Elekwachi AB
Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 is the causative virus for COVID-19. This is the latest coronavirus responsible for the shutting down of various aspects of human livelihood, as well as various sectors of the global economy, thereby having scathing socio-economic consequences on the entire global world. COVID-19 pandemic is currently a leading topic in Public Health discussion outcome. The focus has been hugely placed on how to limit the spread and flatten the curve of infections and deaths in regions and across the globe. The strategies employed in carrying out this task involved all procedures to limit human interaction through social distancing by enforcements of lockdowns, self-isolation, quarantine, border closure, as well as the shutdown of the various sectors of the economy. This has greatly affected the socio-economy of the world in various ways that shall be discussed in this article. Method and Methodology: The study approached employed in developing this article is the systematic review approach wherein a critical analysis of peer-reviewed and online news published articles were carried out and data relevant to the topic of discourse were applied. Keywords relevant to the topics were used to search through various databases with relevant articles included and the rest that could not meet up with the criteria of purpose were excluded. Background Knowledge: COVID-19 belongs to the Coronavirus family of viruses and is responsible for causing severe acute respiratory syndrome in those infected. While many patients are asymptomatic or may show only mild symptoms such as loss of smell and taste, fever and cough which may resolve after some days, some other patients may develop more serious complications such as severe acute respiratory disease and may require oxygen therapy and intensive care. This could lead to the death of some patients, and is mostly in people who are immune-compromised or have a history of underlying diseases such as diabetes. The mode of spread involves the inhalation of virus filled aerosol, or picking up of viral particles from surfaces by hand and touching, eyes, nose or face. Therefore measure for prevention involves social distancing, decontamination, wearing of face masks and practice of hand hygiene by constantly washing or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Findings/Results: The number of COVID-19 cases has risen to over ten million cases within six months of the outbreak with over five hundred thousand deaths as of 25th at June, 2020. The rise in number of cases led to the implementation of various measures such shutdown of industries, schools, businesses, religious activities as well as every endeavour that leads toassociation of people. This has led to great losses being incurred in various sectors of the economy. Lack of interaction has also proven to have some psychological implications, especially in people undergoing quarantine. Conclusion and Recommendation: While the cases of COVID-19 continues to rise, people must continue to adhere to the precautionary measures set up by world governing bodies, to ensure that the curve of the spread of the virus is flattened while waiting on the combined efforts of various research institutions working on vaccines to yield positive results.
Keywords: COVID-19; Socio-Economic Situations; Nigeria; Public Health; Hunger; Poverty; Loss of Jobs
