Nigerian technology-powered transport company,GIG Mobility (GIGM), has announced that it will donate buses to support the operations of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in controlling the spread of the continuous spread of coronavirus in the country.
The donation which was announced on GIGM twitter page is part of the company’s efforts to help fight the spread of Covid-19.
We will like to donate buses to @NCDCgov to help support its operations, as it works tirelessly to arrest the COVID-19 situation in Nigeria @NCDCgov
— GIG Mobility (@GIGMobility) March 25, 2020
Just our own little way of supporting our Nation. Together, we would beat this.#Stayhygienic#Staysafe#Staypositive https://t.co/NSjD9EVIru
— GIG Mobility (@GIGMobility) March 25, 2020
Since the Covid-19 pandemic which originated from China spread into Nigeria a few weeks ago, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has been working to curb the spread of the virus.
However, the cases of infection have spiked over the last couple of days and the NCDC will need all the help it can get to curb the spread of the virus. The number of infected rose from 44 on Tuesday, 24th of march to 51 on Wednesday, 25th of March.
Curbing the spread of Covid-19
The federal and state governments have taken several measures like closing down of schools and postponement of major events to curb the spread of the virus.
Also, several philanthropic foundations like Alibaba and Jack Ma foundation have sent in relief materials like facemask and testing kits to the country.
GIGM joins the fight
With the virus spreading across states, the NCDC will need to be able to move quickly to checkmate possible cases of infection across the country. 9 states have reported cases of Covid-19 infection.
GIGM’s donation of buses will provide NCDC with Standard and fully equipped buses capable of doing inter-state and intra-country transportation to help it respond swiftly and promptly during this crisis.
GIGM adopts operational safety measures to keep their staff and customers safe
Apart from the donations, GIGM has also adjusted its operations to include safety measures that will protect its workers and customers.
The Chief Operating Officer of GIGM, Vuakpor Muoghereh in a chat with TechNext, revealed several measures the company had taken in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
She explained that the company has started temperature checks at its terminals among other lists of measures to help curb the spread of the virus.
The other measures she mentioned includes;
Isolation of commuters with suspected Covid-19 infection
The NCDC has advised people who show symptoms similar to Covid-19 symptoms to self-isolate and call the relevant authorities.
Following this, GIGM has made Provisions to isolate commuters suspected to have contacted the virus and getting in touch with available numbers like NCDC toll-free number 080097000010. However, Vuakpor said they haven’t had any suspected case of infection.
Personal hygiene
Health organisations have sensitized that maintaining regular personal hygiene by washing hands regularly and thoroughly is a preventive measure against Covid-19.
GIGM has made provisions for soap, water and hand-sanitizers to be available at all its terminals in order to help its employees and commuters keep their hygiene regularly.
Also, the company has improved hygiene at its terminals. The Company now ensures regular mopping of floors, cleaning of surfaces, and cleaning of buses.
Community Sensitization
Apart from providing tools for practising social hygiene, GIGM is also sensitizing the general public. GIGM has modified its logo to reflect the importance of washing hands to prevent the spread of Covid-19 during this period.
Educating Employees on Social Distancing
To curb the spread of Covid-19, Health experts have advised people to engage in social distancing as a precaution while going about their daily activities.
To protect its drivers as they go about their daily activities, GIGM has educated its captains (drivers) on social distancing while providing them with hand sanitizers.
The company has split the members of its workforce to help its employees reduce physical contact and practise social distancing while working. It has also adopted remote working for those who do not need to be physically present at the offices to perform their work.
Encouraging online booking
To avoid crowding its terminals and reduce the risk of infection through close interactions, GIGM is encouraging its customers to make their bookings and payment online by increasing the number of destinations available on the web.
This means customers now have more destination options to choose from while booking from the safety of their homes.
Also, considering the several restriction of movements that may happen during this crisis period, GIGM is increasing ticket validity from 30 days to as long as possible. This means if you book a ticket and are unable to make it due to unexpected movement restriction, you can use the same ticket at a future time because its validity won’t expire.
With the increasing number of people infected with Covid-19 in Nigeria, everyone has to do their personal best, to employ safety measures to curb the spread. GIGM is already doing a good job in helping, you too should join them.
(TechNext)
Juliet Ekwebelam
