Dead bodies in streets as death toll rises in Ecuador from coronavirus. Not less than 7,500 cases of coronavirus have been recorded in Ecuador since the first case was discovered on 29th February. Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador with a population of 2 million people, has so far been affected the most in the country. Families are seen lined up outside the cemeteries, trying to bury their dead. Mortuary workers and the hospitals are overwhelmed with the effect of the coronavirus deaths. According to statistics, not less than 800 people have so far died in the city of Guayaquil.
According to Jorge Wated, team lead, police and Military involved in coronavirus task force, they have collected more than 700 dead people from their various homes.
Comparing the conditions in Ecuador as a result of the coronavirus with the possibilities of an outbreak in Nigeria, it would be right to say that Nigeria is not prepared to handle a community outbreak of the virus. Just like Nigeria, Ecuador is also a developing country in South America. Although with a reputation of cheap heath care services, the capacity of their health system is not sufficient to cater for a population of 15.7 million people. Almost same can be said of Nigeria. Although the Nigerian government is currently putting great efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus in Nigeria, Nigerians do not seem to be adhering to the rules. Locking down some non-essential activities in the country and enforcing a complete lockdown order in the state with the most number of cases is an effort by the government to limit the spread of the virus.
However, the average Nigerian with half-baked information thinks the government is being insensitive to the plight of the citizens in the face of the lockdown, even as it gets extended.
The events in Guayaquil, Ecuador should serve as a note of warning to Nigerians, the government and the medical practitioners. Preventing a community spread of the coronavirus in Nigeria should be propagated effectively and timely as the virus thrives above average in a densely populated area. Of which, Nigeria makes it to the top of that list.
Dead Bodies in Streets as Death Toll Rises in Ecuador