Government Administrative Practices and Spread of COVID-19 in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined government administrative practices and the spread of COVID-19 in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, employing a survey research design. The study sought to ascertain the effect of lockdown and quarantine as administrative practices on the spread of COVID-19 in Akwa Ibom State. Data were collected from three hospitals, one from each of the three senatorial districts of the state. A descriptive research design was adopted to review data, using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25. The Emergency management theory was reviewed as a basis for the explanation of concepts for the study. The findings of the study revealed a significant effect of lockdown administrative practices on reducing the spread of COVID-19, while quarantine administrative practices indicated an insignificant impact on the spread of COVID-19 in Akwa Ibom State. It was concluded that the use of lockdown and quarantine were useful administrative instruments for curtailing the spread of COVID-19 in Akwa Ibom State. The study therefore recommended that lockdown should be used in disease-endemic areas in Akwa Ibom state, especially in areas with high infection rates for Lassa fever and others. This would help curb infections like coronavirus. Also. there is a need for the government to retain all the activated quarantine centres for healthcare purposes if another pandemic occurs. This will reinforce the preventive capacity of the government to deal with such.