To flatten the curve of COVID-19 pandemic, decisions will have to be made by governments, agencies, businesses and individuals. Decisions are based on evidence, though, sometimes one will have to decide in the face of insufficient evidence. But informed decisions in time of crises require evidence or knowledge that may come through intuition.

The concept of sufficient evidence is subjective but evidence per se is not subjective; and decisions based on subjective evidence can have objective consequences. COVID-19 decisions that are supposed to flatten the curve should be based on available evidence. Despite the early available evidence that the pandemic is spreading faster than projected, Nigeria decided to close borders against international travels that many thought was late.

Some other countries claim to have acted slowly based on the earliest information (evidence) from China and the World Health Organisation (WHO). There were conjectures and predictions from Bill Gates and his concerned friends that Africa will be filled with ridges of grave. This again was not based on any objective evidence, though we cannot totally dismiss that claim. They may know what is hidden for the public behind the veil. Series of decisions and actions have taken place in Nigeria since the index case and one wonders if available evidence were evaluated before those decisions. On April 8, 2020, there was controversial landing of Chinese medical team to assist Nigeria in curbing Covid-19.

This action of the government was not based on any known evidence that the Chinese were needed. The words of those that spoke against were seen as regressive and until now, we have not seen the Chinese helping out. The government cannot account for their whereabouts. When you take decisions that are not based on evidence, despite the availability of evidence, it will be difficult to be consistent with the result of that decision.

This is very clear from the inconsistent narratives of the Nigerian government concerning the Chinese that were recently reported not to be all medical personnel. Emerging evidence, which will be contrary to the line of the decision will expose the fault lines. A country that does not take informed decisions, neglecting evidence cannot progress. You can find a witness next to you.

#staysafe