Rivers State health workers have given commercial drivers’ non-compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols and failure of relevant authorities to enforce compliance as reasons for the increase in positive cases in the state.

The health workers disclosed that during routine monitoring, taxi and bus drivers still transported more than four passengers on a seat without nose mask. They added that when the passengers were told to use their nose masks, the drivers insisted that the virus does not exist.

The health workers disclosed this in Port Harcourt during a training for truck and ambulance drivers on COVID-19, organised by Greenlight Initiative, in collaboration with Iwuanyanwu National Ambulance Foundation, for the South-South region.

One of the health workers, Mr. FearGod Thomson, said field observations revealed that some drivers have also begun excessive drinking of alcohol to prevent contracting the virus.

Chief Executive Officer, Greenlight, Simon Patrick Obi, expressed worry over perceived nonchalant attitude of drivers towards COVID-19 protocols.

Speaking on the training, Obi said truck and ambulance drivers always on essential duties need capacity building to remain safe while on duty.

“With more than 80 per cent of Nigeria’s economic activities hinged on road transport, many drivers commute without applying safety protocol, contributing to further spread of the virus,” he said.