TheNewsGuru

Tag: Coronavirus

  • EXCLUSIVE: Tension in NPA as COVID-19 infected top shot mixed carefree with staff, patronised private hospital

    EXCLUSIVE: Tension in NPA as COVID-19 infected top shot mixed carefree with staff, patronised private hospital

    There is palpable tension at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in Lagos after a senior staff who had been in contact with other staff members of the agency tested positive for coronavirus [COVID-19], TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) can authoritatively report.

    According to an insider source who spoke on condition of anonymity, the affected staff in his early forties is Head of Protocol of the Port and Cargo Department (P&C) and works directly under the Managing Director of the P&C.

    “He is currently receiving treatments in a private hospital in Apapa. No one is sure of his travel history but he has been in contact with top management officials of the NPA. The NCDC officials are coming to evacuate him to their facility tomorrow but we fear he might have infected people in the department and hospital where he is receiving treatment,” the source said.

    The source confirmed that the NPA management has been holding emergency meetings since discovering the COVID-19 case. However, it is not clear what immediate efforts the NPA is putting in place to stop a looming spread of the virus amongst its staff.

    TNG reports that if not professionally handled, this development might further increase the already high figures of COVID-19 cases in Lagos in the coming days. Recall that the Federal and State Governments had earlier warned suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases against patronising private hospitals to reduce spread. The private hospitals were also sternly warned not to admit or treat suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients.

    TNG reports that as at Thursday, 23rd April, the state has 590 cases, 445 active, 107 discharged, 2 evacuated, 8 transferred and 18 deaths.

    Meanwhile, the management of the NPA is yet to issue any official statement as regards this development. Multiple efforts by TNG to get reactions from the management was unsuccessful as at the time of filing this report.

     

  • Medical experts caution public against Trump’s idea, injecting disinfectant to kill Covid

    Medical experts caution public against Trump’s idea, injecting disinfectant to kill Covid

    Top White House coronavirus advisor Deborah Birx shrank in horror and around the nation comedians sharpened their pens: President Donald Trump had just asked if virus victims couldn’t be injected with disinfectant.

    Even as a new poll shows most Americans wish the former real estate magnate would leave science to the experts, Trump on Thursday evening hit a new high in the annals of amateur presidential doctoring.

    Encouraged by tentative findings that summer weather may dampen the novel coronavirus, Trump used his daily live national press briefing to ask whether light could become a medical treatment.

    “Supposing we hit the body with a tremendous – whether it’s ultraviolet or just very powerful light,” Trump said. “Supposing you brought the light inside the body, which you can do either through the skin or in some other way.”

    Birx and another government medical expert looked on warily. The president wasn’t finished.

    “Then I see the disinfectant, where it knocks (the virus) out in a minute. One minute. And is there a way we can do something like that, by injection inside or almost a cleaning? Because you see it gets in the lungs and it does a tremendous number on the lungs.”

    Birx winced and turned her eyes from the president to the floor.

    – Seeking Silver Bullet –

    The novel coronavirus has already killed more than 50,000 Americans, trashed the economy and thrown Trump’s previously strong march to reelection this November into jeopardy.

    With some predicting a need for drawn-out social distancing and only a slow return to economic health, Trump appears to be in search of a silver bullet.

    For weeks he has aggressively pushed for use of the malaria treatments chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine against the novel coronavirus, even if evidence for their effectiveness is flimsy at best.

    Rick Bright, who until this week was head of the US agency trying to develop a real vaccine, says he was fired because he opposed the “misguided” chloroquine crusade.

    Now the government’s preliminary findings on the effects of sunlight and the approaching summer season have Trump excited.

    Where the unorthodox idea for sanitizers comes from is less clear — although the briefing did touch upon the effects of disinfectant chemicals.

    Trump’s claims to medical expertise are a serious matter but also endless fuel for late-night comedy routines.

    In a case of life imitating art, “Late Show” host Stephen Colbert had just taped an impersonation of the president touting Listerine mouthwash as a remedy on Thursday before the briefing took place.

    “Couldn’t hurt. I mean, it stings, but that’s how you know it’s working,” Colbert mocked.

    Trump’s actual comments about disinfectants were quickly savaged in memes and jokes on Twitter.

    “‘Hey guys!!! It’s Dettol o’clock!!!’” said one tweet alongside a picture of a glass filled with cleaner on the rocks. Another tweet looked forward to “breakfast of nice chilled toilet cleaner.”

    The British-based manufacturer of Lysol and Dettol felt compelled to put out a statement:

    “Under no circumstances should our disinfectant products be administered into the human body (through injection, ingestion or any other route,” the company, Reckitt Benckiser, said.

  • COVID-19: Court sentences 29 persons for violating curfew in Edo State

    COVID-19: Court sentences 29 persons for violating curfew in Edo State

    An Uselu Mobile Court in Benin on Friday sentenced 29 people to community service for violating the curfew order imposed by Edo Government to curtail COVID-19 spread.

    The state government had on April 19 imposed a state-wide dusk-to-dawn curfew.

    The curfew began on April 20. It runs from 7.00p.m. to 6.00a.m. daily.

    Prosecution counsel, Mr Agbokhaode Ayo, said that the 29 people, who were apprehended at the New Benin axis, pleaded guity.

    The Chief Magistrate, Prince Mutairu Oare, ordered the convicts to carry out community service.

    ”The punishments include clearing drains, shrubs, picking of trash, compulsory community sensitisation and grass cutting.

    ”The sentences range from five to 10 days non-custodial community service,” Oare held.

    The chief magistrate, however, gave the convicts an option of fine, ranging from N3,000 to N5,000.

    The offenders would be handled by correctional officers during the punishment period.

    At the time of filing the report, 23 out of the 29 convicts had paid fines.

  • BREAKING: Eredivisie officially ends season, Ajax denied title

    BREAKING: Eredivisie officially ends season, Ajax denied title

    Eredivisie, highest echelon of professional football in the Netherlands has ended the league’s season, as Ajax is denied the title, without promotion or relegation of clubs.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the decision was made by the KNVB, the Dutch football association on Friday following a club vote after the federation stated that it was not an option to increase the league to 20 teams.

    The decision followed an announcement made by Prime Minister Mark Rutte that all matches are forbidden in the Netherlands until September.

    With the decision, there will be no relegation, there will be no promotion and leaders Ajax will not be awarded the title this season, TNG learnt.

    The Dutch league is the first of the major European leagues to be cancelled due to the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

    UEFA asked the Dutch federation to maintain the current standings of FC to decide which teams are awarded spots in European competition.

    With the decision, Ajax head straight to the last round of Champions League qualification despite being level on points with AZ Alkmaar, who will enter in the second round of qualifiers.

    Meanwhile, third placed Feyenoord will head to the Europa League group stage, while PSV and Willem II will enter the Europa League in the third and second round of qualifiers, respectively.

    Additionally, ADO Den Haag and RKC Waalwijk will remain in the Eredivisie next season after the Dutch federation opted to not promote or relegate any teams based on this season’s results.

    With the decision, Cambuur and De Graafschap will remain in the second division despite being on course for promotion to the Eredivisie.

  • NSCDC distributes customised face masks, hand gloves in Delta

    NSCDC distributes customised face masks, hand gloves in Delta

    The Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC) in Delta, Mr Chike Ikpeamonwu, has distributed over 1,000 customised face masks and hand gloves to the personnel of the command.

    Mr Eke Onyenkachi, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the NSCDC in the State, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Asaba.

    Onyenkachi quoted the commandant, as saying that the officers deployed to strategic locations in the state to enforce the lockdown order needed face masks and hand gloves while on duty.

    He said the measure was necessary and in compliance with the Federal and Delta Governments orders on mandatory wearing of face masks in public places, as part of precautionary measures to combat the spread of COVID-19.

    The PRO said the commandant had urged the officers and men to ensure judicious use of the items, adding that they needed to protect themselves while protecting others.

  • COVID-19: NCDC lists special precautionary measures for pregnant, breastfeeding women

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has advised pregnant and breastfeeding women to take routine preventative actions to avoid the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.

    Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Director General of NCDC, gave the advice in an interview with newsmen on Friday in Abuja.

    Ihekweazu said that the preventive measures were recommended in alignment with the Department of Family Health, Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH).

    He listed the measures to include diligent hand-washing, avoiding close contact with people exhibiting symptoms of infection and covering sneezes and coughs.

    He said that it was not currently known if pregnant women were more susceptible to COVID-19 than the general public nor whether they were more likely to have serious illness as a result.

    “Based on available information, pregnant women seem to be at equal risk as other adults.

    “However, it is known that the bodily changes that occur during pregnancy may put expectant women at increased risk for some infections.

    “Pregnant women have had a higher risk of severe illness when infected with viruses from the same family as COVID-19 and other viral respiratory infections such as influenza.

    “Therefore, pregnant women should take the same precautions as the general public to avoid COVID-19 infection,” he advised.

    The NCDC boss advised pregnant women to frequently clean their hands using alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

    “Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces on a daily basis. If possible, stay home for the entire duration of the pregnancy except for ante-natal care hospital visits.

    “Eat healthy and nutritious meals. Ensure adequate bed rest. If you think you may have coronavirus or have been exposed, stay at home for 14 days.

    “Do not go to the hospital but contact your doctor and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) toll free number, 0800-9700 0010 or state epidemiologist immediately.

    “You will be assessed in line with current case definition guidelines set out by the NCDC.

    “You should contact your clinic to inform them that you have symptoms suggestive of coronavirus, particularly if you have any routine appointments in the next seven days.

    “They should postpone routine antenatal visits until after the isolation period is over, and arrange the right place and time for you to come for your visits.

    “You should not attend a routine clinic. There may be a need for them to reduce the number of ante-natal visits you have,” he explained.

    He said that breastfeeding women, should, along with their families and health care providers, decide whether and how to start or continue breast-feeding.

    Ihekweazu said breast milk provided protection against many illnesses and was the best source of nutrition for infants.

    “In limited studies, COVID-19 has not been detected in breast milk; however, it is not known for sure whether mothers with COVID-19 can spread the virus via breast milk.

    “If you are suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 infection and choose to breastfeed, maintain strict hygiene and wash your hands before each feed and wear a face mask,” he said.

    Iheakweazu said that another good option was to pump or express by hand breast milk and have someone not sick to feed the baby.

    “If they pump or hand express the milk, they should make sure they wash their hands before doing so.

    “Be aware that media speculation is rife about COVID-19 and not everything you read in the newspapers or online or hear is accurate or verified.

    “Trusted and accurate information will always be released by the Ministry of Health or Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

    You can find the latest information and advice by contacting NCDC on: NCDC Toll-free Number: 0800-9700 0010, https://covid19.ncdc.gov.ng/guidelines.php, Twitter and Facebook: @NCDCgov,” he stated.

  • Ramadan: Atiku greets Muslims, urges adjustments to new reality posed by Coronavirus pandemic

    Ramadan: Atiku greets Muslims, urges adjustments to new reality posed by Coronavirus pandemic

    Nigeria’s former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has told Nigerian Muslims to adjust to the new reality posed by the deadly Coronavirus as they begin the Ramadan period today.

    Atiku, in his Ramadan message this had not been the best of times for the people and as a nation and for the global community.

    “The novel coronavirus, which originated from Wuhan in China has spread to no less than 210 countries and territories as at today.

    “Sadly Nigeria has not been spared this scourge. Since our first incident case in February, we have seen the figure rise to 981 with 31 deaths as at April 23, 2020. The good news however is that thanks to our heroic healthcare workers, 197 of the cases have recovered.

    “But we’ve had to make sacrifices, and much more is required of us in the days ahead if we must defeat the scourge of this plague. Our social life has been disrupted by lockdown of sections of our country and practice of social distancing.

    “In the last three weeks, we have been unable to gather to fulfil our religious obligations to worship the Almighty Allah. The lesser hajj has been suspended. My dear Muslim Ummah, this is the reality as we commence this year’s Ramadan,” he said.

    Atiku urged the Muslim faithful to pray for the country at this difficult moment when the #COVID19 plague had paralysed every aspect of social lives.

    “And as you commence the fasting period, one of the mandatory sacrifices required of us, bear in mind this year’s Ramadan comes at an extraordinarily tough moment for the Muslim Ummah because of the severe restrictions the coronavirus has imposed on us.

    “This is a moment of trial because for the first time in our recent history, we have never seen anything like this in terms of limitations on the activities we once performed without hindrance.

    “Unlike previous years, the 2020 fasting features, such as Iftar meal that Muslims share together everyday and every evening after breaking their fast would be affected because of the lockdown and social distancing policy brought about by the coronavirus outbreak.

    “Other activities that may be affected include the Tafsir or the gathering of Muslims to listen to Qur’anic recitation and interpretation by scholars.

    “Against this background, I urge Muslims to be steadfast and adjust to the new reality imposed by the coronavirus disease. These challenges are a test of our faith and resilience in the face of tough times,” he added.

    He said notwithstanding, it was pertinent upon Muslims to continue to be the good ambassadors of Islam by promoting peace, unity, tolerance, harmony and peaceful coexistence at all times and that above all, it was imperative that they observe all guidelines of the NCDC aimed at stemming the spread of the virus, much so as it is the teaching of the Noble Prophet Mohammed (SWT) during plague seasons such as this.

    “I supplicate to Allah to answer our prayers and help us overcome this extraordinary challenge soonest, and put our country on the path of renewal and prosperity,” he said.

  • BREAKING: Adamawa Govt. orders fresh lockdown

    BREAKING: Adamawa Govt. orders fresh lockdown

    Adamawa government has ordered lockdown of the entire state for another period of 14 days with effect from midnight Friday, April 24.

    The order was contained in a statement issued by Mr Solomon Kumamgar, Director General, Media and Communication to Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri, on Friday in Yola.

    Fintiri said that the lockdown would end midnight of Friday, May 8.

    The statement read: “Painful as the decision is, it is the aftermath of the first COVID-19 index case recorded in the state.

    “Adamawa government is therefore left with no option than to go for lockdown in the overall interest of saving lives by containing spread.

    “Government has successfully commenced contacts tracing and testing which will be followed by isolation and treatment of positive cases,’’ Fintiri said.

    Fintiri appealed for the cooperation and understanding of people of the state, insisting that in spite of the looming hardship, there was no alternative to the latest lockdown, as COVID-19, which had no cure, was spreading in the country like a wild fire in the dry season.

    He further directed that all movements and gatherings in whatever form, were prohibited throughout the period,

    “Except for those on essential duties such as security, media, health and water services, as well as while financial institutions like banks, that will operate skeletal services.

    “Others in this category include; pharmaceuticals, and those selling food items only, as government will not allow the irresponsibility of a few to lead to the death of many,” he said.

    He called on the residents to embrace the rudiments of basic hygiene like regular hand washing with soap and sanitizers where obtainable, social distancing and use of face masks.

    He said the `Executive lockdown order’ would be backed by a mobile court to try and prosecute offenders.

    Fintiri said: “We must all act together and willingly give up our personal freedom in exchange for our collective survival from the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “The pains we must all endure are only the unintended consequences of government’s commitment to save the lives of every resident,’’ he said.

  • Kaduna govt. sets up mobile courts to try violators of lockdown order

    Kaduna govt. sets up mobile courts to try violators of lockdown order

    The Kaduna State Government on Friday said it had set up mobile courts to try violators of its lockdown order.

    The state’s Solicitor-General, Chris Umar, in a letter dated April 22, to the Chief Registrar of Kaduna State High Court, said the decision was taken by the State Executive Council to enforce the executive order.

    The solicitor-general said that the mobile courts would deal with violators summarily without the need for the present cumbersome procedure of taking offenders to court over such violation.

    According to Umar, magistrates that will preside over the mobile courts have already been assigned by the state Ministry of Justice.

    He explained that the magistrates would be sitting at various locations across the city starting with Kakuri, Kawo, Magajin Gari, Rigasa, Sabon-Tasha, Maraban Rido and Rigachikun.

    The Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, had invoked the 1999 Constitution, Sections 2 and 8 of the Quarantine Act of 1926 and the Kaduna State Public Health Law of 1917 and imposed a lockdown throughout the state on March 26.

    Violations of the restriction of movement order, social distancing and the gathering of large crowds have been reported.

    The state government had threatened to sanction traditional leaders of communities where such violations took place.

    The deputy governor had also threatened to revert to the 24 hour-lockdown, by closing the two-day weekly window of Tuesdays and Wednesdays that allows residents to re-stock foodstuffs.

  • COVID-19: Kwara community supplies PPEs to cottage hospitals

    COVID-19: Kwara community supplies PPEs to cottage hospitals

    The Omupo community in Ifelodun Local Government Area (LGA), of Kwara, has established a COVID-19 Committee and supplied Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to the town’s two cottage hospitals.

    Malam Mustapha Abubakar, the National Publicity Secretary, Omupo Descendants Union (ODU), said this in a statement on Friday, in Ilorin.

    Abubakar said that the committee aimed to compliment the state and federal governments’ efforts in the fight against the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), in the country.

    According to him, the community coordinated approach to the pandemic is in line with the directive of Gov. Abdulrazak Abdulrahman of Kwara, to replicate same at the community level.

    “The committee, under the Chairmanship of Prof. Mikail Buhari, has responsibilities which include, to propose, develop and execute appropriate initiatives that meet the peculiar circumstances of Omupo in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “They also donated PPEs to the Omupo Cottage Hospital and Basic Health Center, Omupo.

    “This is to help carry out all the activities relating to the implementation of all the activities on COVID-19 pandemic as may be directed by the Federal Government and Kwara government, among others,” Abubakar said.

    He said the PPEs would help to safeguard the front line workers of the Omupo Cottage Hospital and the Basic Health Center, against possible infections.

    He said that the donations were promptly approved and money released from the Omupo COVID-19 Relief Fund, into which several sons and daughters of Omupo and their friends had made generous donations.

    Abubakar said that the PPE items included gowns, disposable aprons, infra-red thermometer, face masks, face shields, boots and boot covers, protective eye glasses, latex and nitrile gloves, hand sanitizers, and other hygiene substances and materials.

    He added that the PPEs had been handed over to Dr. Monisoye Afolabi, Doctor-in-charge of the Cottage Hospital.

    The ODU spokesman said the community’s gesture was part of its contributions to complement the efforts of the Kwara State Government.

    Receiving the items, Afolabi said: “the efforts will safeguard the health of front line workers at the Omupo Cottage hospital in the discharge of their duties during this period of the coronavirus pandemic.”