Can a face mask really protect you from Covid-19

It is only a few days till the month of May when face masks will be made compulsory in Lagos and some other states but will face masks really protect us from the Covid-19 virus?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), face masks are intended for individuals in the community, public health and infection prevention and control (IPC) professionals, health care managers, health care workers (HCWs), and community health workers.

Face masks contain filters that help trap dust particles, germs, and microorganisms before they come in contact with your face or nose which is a fertile breeding ground for the Covid-19 virus. If face masks are worn right, they can protect us from contamination to a very large extent, only if they are handled and worn rightly.

How should you wear a face mask?

– Wash Hands Regularly

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and sanitize your hands.

– Cover your mouth and nose completely with the mask and ensure there is no gap between your face and the mask.

– Avoid touching the face mask while it is still on. If that happens, wash your hands with soap and water and then finish up with a sanitizer.

– Do not re-use Mask

 Replace the face mask with a new one once it is damp and don’t re-use.

– Dispose of Mask Properly

Remove the face mask from behind and dispose of it in a bin immediately. Don’t forget to wash your hands thereafter.

Do you have your face masks already? That is why at Credit Direct Limited we provide zero-collateral and low-interest loans. Click here to find out more about low-interest loans from Credit Direct. Don’t forget to share this with someone.

Click here to find out more about low-interest loans, Quick Loans, Emergency Loans, Fast Loans, whatever your needs, we have it. Contact us today.

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Covid-19 and its effect on the Nigerian economy

People build a nation and people build an economy. What this means is that once the general wellbeing of a group of people is threatened, it’s the ability to function effectively is questionable. We are having a glimpse of how disastrous this pandemic can be for the world if left unchecked.

Nigeria is a developing nation and is still recovering gradually from the economic recession of 2016 which was due to global oil price crash and insufficient foreign exchange earnings to meet imports. From the point when the first case of COVID-19 was discovered until when it began to spread wider, there has been a need to review and change earlier revenue expectations and fiscal projection. The oil price, for instance, is below $17 and it seems like it will go even lower.

The COVID-19 pandemic is also taking a toll on the employment rate. The last unemployment report released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) ranks Nigeria 21st amongst 181 countries with an unemployment rate of about 23.1%, not forgetting that the nation has been rated the poverty capital of the world with approximately 87 million people living on less than $2 a day.

The pandemic may also lead to a fall in household consumption which will result from the partial or full restriction on movement (lockdown) like we have seen happening in Lagos, Ogun, and Abuja. This will cause people to buy only essential goods, leaving manufacturers of non-essential goods and services useless.

There is also the place of crumbling of wealth due to decline in assets like stocks and equity.

Having known all these, a greater responsibility is bestowed on us all to do all we can to make sure that we battle the COVID-19 virus together. Start by staying home to curb the spread, only then can we establish peace of mind in homes all across the nation. We are for a COVID-19 free Nigeria at Credit Direct but we cannot do it without you.

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How to save during a lockdown

Do you remember that popular song, “Enugbe, mo need owo”? ( It’s a Yoruba statement from Nigeria which means “I am cashless, I need money!”). This is a song normally sung by those who seem to have run out of cash, this, unfortunately, is the case for many people right now but we want to help you avoid being initiated into the ‘enugbe’ gang. Ride with us:

The golden question during a lockdown is how one can access emergency funds. And with these few tips, we hope that you will be able to save up enough funds to scale through a lockdown for as long as it might take.

1. Conduct an inspection!

Now dear Mr. or Madam Inspector, did you notice that you have been spending less on restaurants, your gym membership, movies, and trips to the mall? That extra cash should be going straight into your emergency piggybank because believe this – it will save your life!

In addition, check what you have at home, freezer, store, and pantry to see what you have so that you don’t end up buying what you already have. That is also some extra cash you could save, don’t you think?

2. Start a budget this lockdown

In building a budget, you are not only looking at what you are spending but you get to ask yourself if what you are about to spend is essential or just unnecessary. Those shoes you want to buy can hold on while you manage your old shoes because really, who cares about what you are wearing during a lockdown? That treadmill can be replaced with a jumping rope and an evening stroll. In all, you need to embrace the challenge of having to live off less (at least for now)

3. Apply for a Cash2Go loan by CDL

We understand that a lot of people might be reading this when it seems like it is too late. Well with Credit Direct Limited, all you get is peace of mind and of course, money in your pocket (wink). Give us a call today or simply send us a message to apply for our loan with no collateral.

In all, to save more money during a lockdown, Spending within your means is the keyword. Share with 3 people today to put a smile on their faces.

How to prepare for life after Covid-19

Culture, we have learned, is the way of life of a people. Every tribe, region, state and country around the world has its own culture but with the advent of the Coronavirus, the whole world has unwittingly or out of necessity subscribed to a common culture – we find ourselves doing similar things like staying home, bulk shopping, using sanitizers, etc.

The virus disrupted the plans of both the government and individuals, but as sad as this might be, let us remember that there is life after COVID-19. It is one thing to acknowledge this but it is another thing to prepare for it. We would love to share some major areas in which you can prepare:

1.Develop yourself A lot of things will change after COVID-19 is over, things like the frequency at which we go out, how business is done, schools resumption, etc. This period is, therefore, the best time to equip yourself well enough to easily warm up to the new norm after the Pandemic ends. Read books, take courses, build healthy relationships, spend more time discovering yourself. Now is the time to build, not to feel hopeless

2.Plan, Plan, and Plan This would be the time to revisit the things you planned to do before COVID-19 but we cannot guarantee that you will end up doing it the same way you planned to, so you will need to go back to the drawing board. You might not end up working on the same project with the same person so what is your Plan B? You might need more money to execute that project, do you have a Credit Direct hotline on your Speed dial already? The areas to plan differ from one person to another but you shouldn’t be caught unprepared.

What plans of yours had to change because of Covid-19? Share with us in the comment box.

Why are we really on lockdown?

Why are we really on lockdown?

Just yesterday the president of Nigeria, President Buhari addressed Nigerians, extending the lockdown by 14 more days.  Let’s explain why the lockdown is necessary.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has informed us that the COVID-19 virus is spread primarily through body fluids of an infected person hence, the need to sanitize and wash our hands regularly, disinfect surfaces, avoid touching our faces and keep a safe distance from one another. 

If we really are truthful to ourselves in answering this question, we will begin to see every reason to cooperate with the federal government by staying at home which seems to be the best option for us.

Imagine the difference it would make when you decide to stay at home – you are contributing your own quota by reducing the cases of Coronavirus infection.

In the case that you run out of essential items like toiletries, foodstuffs, or cash, remember that Credit Direct is here to help you with our loans which you can access in less than 24 hours – we won’t rest our oars in spreading peace of mind even in the face of a pandemic.

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Work: Must-haves in your home work space

“Stay safe! Stay home!” These words have become well known to the whole world. Now that we cannot but stay home, for many homes it has become an office. Here are tips for COVID: Must-haves in your home workspace.

In this time that we are, there is a great need to quickly adapt and get used to the idea of working from home. There have been complaints from different people in different places about distractions, lack of motivation, ‘Junior’ scribbling on daddy’s presentation or typing sweet nonsense on mummy’s monitor, and the list goes on and on…

What if there are ways to make you feel more comfortable with working from home? Would that make you give us a “thank-you” virtual hug (#socialdistancing) after you are done reading this?

– An actual office space:

This doesn’t have to be elaborate like the one you have at your office but it should be somewhere that you have mapped out in your house that will be dedicated to work and work only. This helps you to focus and get your priorities right.

– Good lighting:

As much as possible, have a light that is bright enough to read lest you start appreciating how beautiful your bed is. You need to stay awake to get quality work done and good light contributes to achieving this well all the time.

– Timer:

Being at home gives a subtle aura of leisure and relaxation hence, it is easy to lose touch of time. So, whether you are working on a report, having a chat with a business partner, or replying to a sales executive from Credit Direct who just informed you that your loan application has been approved, a timer helps you stay on track and you find out that you have enough time left to rest and attend to other matters.

Everyone can lead from the position they are in and set an example to inspire others. No matter who you are, ensure to lead in your space, be creative, be spontaneous, be impulsive with responsibility. Get the most out of situations and resolve challenges as they come up.

– A desk and a chair:

Having this couple doesn’t just help condition your mind into work mode, it also leaves off a message to every member of your family that whenever you are seated on that chair, you have switched to the “Do not disturb” mode.

Working from home can be more efficient than you imagined, you only need to make it work.

We just saved your life and we did it with no collateral; like our loans.  What will you start doing today? Let us know in the comments.

COVID-19 Isolation: How to keep your kids engaged during self isolation

Kids are one of the most lively, hyperactive bunch you would ever find in your lifetime. They are innocent, optimistic and really just want to do something – this tells us that as parents and guardians, it is up to us to properly help them channel their energy into productive activities during isolation and which benefit their physical, mental, and social health.

With almost every kid cooped up at home, it’s almost certain that they are restless and driving you up the wall. Don’t bundle them up in the back seat of that new car you just got, thanks to Credit Direct Loans, and drop them at the side of the road and zoom off, that’s breaking quarantine protocol. #staysafe.

Here is a list of things you can start doing today to engage your young ones during this isolation period.

  1. Create time to play with them

Activities like singing and dancing with your kids have over the years yielded tremendous results and one of them is that you are consciously helping them make lemonade when life throws them lemons. With the negativity going on and you as their parents constantly reminding them to wash and sanitize their hands regularly, playtime is a way to help them relax and stay away from the negativity flying all around the media and their environment.

2. Encourage them to start writing

This might not apply to younger toddlers because all they know at this point is to scribble. However, when writing isn’t possible, drawing/painting is. This way, you are building their mental health as you encourage them to express their mood or emotions daily.

3. Create talk sessions

Are you a busy mum/dad? Is your child an introvert? This is a perfect time to bond better with your kids. A lot of parents are shocked at what their kids go through at a young age when they finally get to talk. Bullying, verbal or sexual abuse are very common things that kids face and until they voice out, kids have evolved into knowing how to keep a lot of secrets.

4. Play monopoly and other games to keep their brains active

Yes, we know you cannot lock them up all week long with only books and DIY videos, you should also play games with them, play pianos and other board games to help build their brain and keep their minds active. Most of these games help them make good decisions in life. The monopoly is a good game in achieving this. You might want to adopt it.

Getting your kids to talk to you also strengthens your bond with them. Today, create an hour or two when the day is almost over and call your kids to yourself. Start talking first and then give them the stage thereafter and watch your kids become your new besties.

Kids are individuals too, you need them more than you know it to remind you of all the many opportunities you can take advantage of, isolation or not.

So, drop the car keys slowly and let us know if these helped in the comment section.