• Thursday, March 28, 2024
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BusinessDay

Adaptation over death: The future of the social scene

Manufacturers in Rivers/bayelsa yet to see kobo from Covid-19 intervention fund

With the number of confirmed coronavirus cases over the 55,000 mark and over 1,000 deaths but Nigeria has entered the next phase of relaxation of the lockdown measures. Domestic and international flights have recommenced, workplaces have resumed, places of worship have been re-opened, social centres are up and running, restaurants are now open for dine-in service, some students are back in school for exams and the curfew has been extended to 12am to last till 4 am. The great outdoors is open. Is it safe to say it’s time to socialise?

Nigeria is currently in the 6 month of the lockdown of her major cities since the lockdown took effect since March 30th at 11 pm. The first relaxation of the complete lockdown commenced on the 4th of May with certain precautionary guidelines stated, including wearing of facemasks. There was no denying the economic impact of the lockdown and its implications for the populace, which strengthened the argument for partial ease, however, the medical sector termed this a premature action. It appears that the economic, social, and psychological tolls of prolonged isolation have remained pivotal in these decisions to re-open the economy.

Read also: Post COVID-19: A call to diversify the Nigerian economy through agriculture for sustainability

Efforts to test and approve a COVID-19 vaccine for world-wide distribution still extend into 2021. There is no 2020 coronavirus expiration date in sight. At this point, considerations about the future of the social scene have worked their way into the conversation.
People are going out and interacting. Especially in highly populated metropolitan cities like some of the major states in Nigeria, Lagos and Abuja; which remain the epicentres for the spread of the virus, ensuring that people are conducting themselves in a socially responsible manner under COVID-19 conditions are vital. It is quite literally, a matter of life or death.

There are many concerns about if the country is prepared for re-opening the social scene on this scale, especially with the seeming nonchalance of a lot of people in the country towards safety measures. Public spaces and worship centres are making efforts to conform the safety guidelines for operation stipulated by the authorities, with “no mask, no entry” policies, handwashing units, temperature checks, capacity controls, etc. However, it is important to note that ensuring safety in social centres: restaurants, events, sport centres, etc., is a more complex terrain to navigate. Social distancing in these spaces cannot be overemphasized. When asked about her social experience so far, Morenike, a resident in Lagos said “I think people just tend to get carried away, especially when they see their friends. They just do away with the rules.” She also narrated her shopping experience in a major market in Lagos, stating that “people are acting like the virus is gone”, she mentioned that some shoppers were cautious and wore face masks, however, there were “no face masks in sight” with the sellers.

Governments around the world recognize that stricter lockdown measures and limiting social interactions outside own homes are more effective in curbing the spread of the virus but they also recognize that there are limits to which people can comfortably bear the wide-ranging impact of such isolation and restrictions. Studies are emerging with results that call for a potential social network restructuring to improve how people can socialize rather than efforts to reduce how much they socialize.

Belgium, Scotland, New Zealand and a few other countries are exploring the option of “social bubbles” which allows interaction with up to 10 people per bubble provided that only those same 10 people interact with each other. In expanding the bubble up to its maximum capacity, it is imperative to ensure the exclusivity of the bubble remains uncompromised. It could be applied on a geographical base for ease. It makes for an easier system to track and contain the spread of the virus. However, the success of this idea is heavily dependent on trust amongst members of the bubble that the exclusivity and guidelines are adhered to and no one breaks the rules, thereby putting the health and safety of themselves and others at risk. Although the idea of social bubbles is in the works, the risks of further spread of the virus are quite high and in countries with limited testing capacity and inadequate health facilities, which are challenges Nigeria faces, a second wave of the virus must be avoided at all costs. The need for social distancing is not going away anytime soon.

For the entertainment industry in Nigeria, there has been no definite chatter about the resumption of in-person concerts; arenas and cinemas will be forced to adapt to the “new normal”. Taking a cue from the UK’s first socially distanced concert in Newcastle in August, separate viewing platforms for groups of five were set-up, allowing the arena to accommodate up to 2,500 fans at the show. This is possibly the future of live music shows with a safe, practical and comfortable provision for attendees.
Drive-in cinemas are making a comeback; offering viewers a film screening without having to leave the comfort of their own vehicles; completely eradicating the need for excessive contact with others.
The social scene is fast evolving and one thing that is certain is that this is the time for businesses to adapt or be left behind. Innovation and dynamism are such invaluable tools at this time. There has to be a blend between safety, practicality and enjoyment.
Always remember, safety first.