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Tag: COVID-19

  • Covid-19: List of beneficiaries of Buhari’s relief measures

    Covid-19: List of beneficiaries of Buhari’s relief measures

    President Muhammadu Buhari announced various relief measures yesterday to mitigate the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

    In his broadcast, he mentioned school children, who have been enjoying government’s school feeding and beneficiaries of government’s social investment programme, such as TraderMoni, MarketMoni and FarmerMoni.

    “Although schools have been closed, I have instructed the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development to work with State Governments in developing a strategy on how to sustain the school feeding program during this period without compromising our social distancing policies.

    “The Minister will be contacting the affected States and agree on detailed next steps.

    “Furthermore, I have directed that a three month repayment moratorium for all TraderMoni, MarketMoni and FarmerMoni loans be implemented with immediate effect.

    “I have also directed that a similar moratorium be given to all Federal Government funded loans issued by the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture and the Nigeria Export Import Bank.

    “For on-lending facilities using capital from international and multilateral development partners, I have directed our development financial institutions to engage these development partners and negotiate concessions to ease the pains of the borrowers.

    “For the most vulnerable in our society, I have directed that the conditional cash transfers for the next two months be paid immediately. Our Internally displaced persons will also receive two months of food rations in the coming weeks.

    Buhari appealed to all Nigerians to take personal responsibility to support those who are vulnerable within their communities, helping them with whatever they may need.

    “As we all pray for the best possible outcome, we shall continue planning for all eventualities.

    “This is why I directed that all Federal Government Stadia, Pilgrims camps and other facilities be converted to isolation centres and makeshift hospitals”

  • Alakijas donate N1bn to fight Coronavirus

    Alakijas donate N1bn to fight Coronavirus

    Chairman and Vice-Chairman of Famfa Oil Limited, Modupe and Folorunso Alakija have donated N1 billion to support Nigeria’s fight against Coronavirus.

    According to them, “As the world rallies to deal with the health, security, economic and social implications of the coronavirus, it’s clear that we will feel the effects much more deeply than many of the developed world.

    “Managing a crisis of this magnitude means that the strength of our response will determine our ability to weather the storm.”

    “Individually and collectively, we are rising to this unprecedented challenge in a way that symbolizes our resilience, our character and strength. Famfa Oil Ltd is pleased to be able to make this contribution,” they said in a statement issued by the company on Sunday.

    In the breakdown of the N1 billion showed that the National Center for Disease Control, will receive N250,000,000; Lagos State Government, N250,000,000, African center of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, N50,000,000 and Medical Workers on the Frontline in Lagos, N100,000,000.

    Others are: Medical Workers on the Frontline in Abuja N100,000,000; Supply Of Medical Equipment to relevant organizations, N245,00,000 and Dr. Ameyo Stella Adadevoh (DRASA), N5 million.

    “With our contribution, we will together take the charge in our fight against the Coronavirus. These are the organisations we as a company will work in adhering to their needs and will interact with suppliers so that we can deploy our contribution in the most impactful way.

    “Famfa Oil Ltd commends the efforts made by the Federal and State Governments towards the fight against the pandemic in Nigeria and enjoin all Nigerians to follow stipulated health guidelines in order to keep us all safe. May God Bless our country Nigeria,” the company said.

  • BREAKING: Abba Kyari writes Nigerians from isolation

    BREAKING: Abba Kyari writes Nigerians from isolation

    Abba Kyari, Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari has written an epistle from where he is observing personal isolation after testing positive for Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Abba Kyari in his letter, talked about his health status, and said he would be transferred to Lagos State for additional tests.

    The letter reads: “I am writing to let you know that on medical advice, I will be transfer to Lagos later today for additional tests and observation. This is a precautionary measure: I feel well, but last week, l tested positive for coronavirus, the pandemic that is sweeping the world.

    “I have followed all the protocols government has announced to self-isolate and quarantine. I have made my own care arrangements to avoid further burdening the public health system, which faces so many pressures.

    “Like many others that will test also positive, have not experienced high fever or other symptoms associated with this new virus and have been working from home.

    “I hope to be back at my desk very soon. I have a team of young professional, knowledgeable and patriotic colleagues, whose dedication has been beyond the call of duty, who continue to work seven days a week, with no time of the day spared.

    “We will continue to serve the President and people of Nigeria, as we have for the past five years.

    “I want to thank all our fantastic, talented and brave healthcare professionals, working across the country in such a difficult time; all the good Samaritans looking out for the most vulnerable in our communities; the key workers that will keep our country going through this; friends and family and oftenbstrangers, who have sent me such warm wishes and displayed Such a generosity of spirit.

    “We should be calm, measured and diligent – be meticulous in your hygiene, especially with cleaning hands, if possible stay at home or keep your distance. Listen to good advice from the proper authorities: pay no heed to quack cures or fake news from social media.

    “Our experts are learning more all the time about coronavirus, what it does and how we can combat it. What we do know is that while some may become very siCK, many others who contract the virus wll not, and may have no symptoms at all.

    “This is a disease that recognises no difference between north and south,men or women, rich or poor. We are all in this together”.

  • COVID-19: Holding breath, hot weather does not prevent transmission–WHO

    COVID-19: Holding breath, hot weather does not prevent transmission–WHO

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) says holding breath for 10 seconds or more without coughing or feeling discomfort does not mean an individual is free from the COVID-19
    disease.

    WHO in a statement on Sunday said that the best way to confirm if an individual has the virus was through a laboratory test

    “You cannot confirm it with this breathing exercise, which can even be dangerous,” WHO said.

    It added that evidence had shown that the COVID-19 virus can be transmitted in all areas, including areas with hot and humid weather.

    “Regardless of climate, adopt protective measures if you live in, or travel to an area reporting COVID-19.

    “The best way to protect yourself against COVID-19 is by frequently cleaning your hands.

    “By doing this you eliminate viruses that may be on your hands and avoid infection that could occur by then touching your eyes, mouth, and nose,” it said.

    The health agency noted that taking a hot bath does not prevent COVID-19, adding that normal body temperature remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the temperature of the bath or shower.

    “Actually, taking a hot bath with extremely hot water can be harmful, as it can burn you,” it said

    It stresses that COVID-19 cannot be transmitted through mosquito bites, saying there has been no information nor evidence to suggest that the new coronavirus could be transmitted by mosquitoes.

    “The new coronavirus is a respiratory virus which spreads primarily through droplets generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose.

    “To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Also, avoid close contact with anyone who is coughing and sneezing,” it said.

    WHO warned that spraying alcohol or chlorine all over the body would not kill viruses that have already entered the body, adding that spraying such substances could be harmful to clothes or mucous membranes like eyes and mouth.

    It added that both alcohol and chlorine could be useful to disinfect surfaces, noting that the use should be under appropriate recommendations.

  • BREAKING: COVID-19 curves downward in Nigeria with 14 new cases

    BREAKING: COVID-19 curves downward in Nigeria with 14 new cases

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Sunday confirmed 14 new cases of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the country, starting a downward trend after 16 cases were recorded in two days consecutively.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) in an analysis of what to expect of COVID-19 in the next 30 days had projected that if a flat curve is maintained or a downward trend is maintained, Coronavirus cases in the country might be less than 1,000 by end of April.

    READ || COVID-19 in Nigeria: What to expect in next 30 days

    On Sunday, fourteen new cases of COVID-19 were confirmed by the NCDC in Nigeria, with Lagos State recording 9 out of the 14 cases and the federal capital territory (FCT) recording 5 cases.

    The development means that as at 09:30 pm on 29th March, there are now 111 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in Nigeria with 1 death.

     

  • NCDC releases results of 5 suspected COVID-19 cases in Borno, Govt confirms

    NCDC releases results of 5 suspected COVID-19 cases in Borno, Govt confirms

    The Borno Government has confirmed that the five suspected COVID-19 cases isolated in the state Public Health and Emergency Operation Centre tested negative.

    The Commissioner of Health, Salisu Kwayabura, made this known while. addressing newsmen in Maiduguri.

    Kwayabura said that the five persons willingly submitted themselves to be tested following thier history of travelling to countries with highest coronavirus cases.

    “The results from the specimen taken from the five suspected cases for test at the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) Abuja, came back negative.

    “The five persons were quarantined and closely monitored by state task force on the prevention against COVID-19.

    “The Health and the Emergency Operation Centre are functioning at optimal level and fully ready to deal with any emergency in the state”, he said.

    Also speaking, the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Usman Kadafur, urged the people in the state to ensure the highest level of personal hygiene, including the regular washing of hands and use of sanitizers in public places.

    Kadafur, who is the Chairman Rapid Response Committee for the Prevention of COVID-19, urged the people to cooperate with the government’s policies and measures designed to prevent the spread of the virus.

    He said that the committee had deployed health personnel across the state to enforce compliance on government rules against the disease.

    Kadafur however warned traders, petroleum marketers and others not to use the COVID-19 lock down to estort from innocent citizens of the state.

    “The state government will not condone hourding of fuel by fuel marketers to cause artifical scarcity and hardship,” he said.

  • BREAKING: Buhari imposes curfew on Lagos, Abuja, Ogun over Coronavirus

    BREAKING: Buhari imposes curfew on Lagos, Abuja, Ogun over Coronavirus

    Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday imposed 14-day curfew on Lagos and Ogun States, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, with effect from 11pm on Monday.

    The president, in a nationwide broadcast said the decision was taken based on the advice of the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, NCDC.

    Details later…

  • BREAKING: Buhari reveals two-step approach to tackle Covid-19 in Nigeria

    BREAKING: Buhari reveals two-step approach to tackle Covid-19 in Nigeria

    President Muhammadu Buhari has revealed a two-step approach in mitigating the challenges that come with the battle against novel Coronavirus disease in Nigeria.

    He made the revelation during his nationwide broadcast to Nigerians on Sunday.

    his words:”Although we have adopted strategies used globally, our implementation programs have been tailored to reflect our local realities. In Nigeria, we are taking a two-step approach.

    “First, to protect the lives of our fellow Nigerians and residents living here and second, to preserve the livelihoods of workers and business owners to ensure their families get through this very difficult time in dignity and with hope and peace of mind.

    “To date, we have introduced healthcare measures, border security, fiscal and monetary policies in our response. We shall continue to do so as the situation unfolds.

    “Some of these measures will surely cause major inconveniences to many citizens. But these are sacrifices we should all be willing and ready to make for the greater good of our country.

    “In Nigeria’s fight against COVID-19, there is no such thing as an overreaction or an under reaction. It is all about the right reaction by the right agencies and trained experts.

    “Accordingly, as a Government, we will continue to rely on the guidance of our medical professionals and experts at the Ministry of Health, NCDC and other relevant agencies through this difficult time.

    “I therefore urge all citizens to adhere to their guidelines as they are released from time to time.

    “As we are all aware, Lagos and Abuja have the majority of confirmed cases in Nigeria. Our focus therefore remains to urgently and drastically contain these cases, and to support other states and regions in the best way we can.

    “This is why we provided an initial intervention of fifteen billion Naira (N15b) to support the national response as we fight to contain and control the spread.

    “We also created a Presidential Task Force (PTF) to develop a workable National Response Strategy that is being reviewed on a daily basis as the requirements change. This strategy takes international best practices but adopts them to suit our unique local circumstances.

    “Our goal is to ensure all States have the right support and manpower to respond immediately.

    “So far, in Lagos and Abuja, we have recruited hundreds of adhoc staff to man our call centers and support our tracing and testing efforts.

    “I also requested, through the Nigeria Governors Forum, for all State Governments to nominate Doctors and Nurses who will be trained by the NCDC and Lagos State Government on tactical and operational response to the virus in case it spreads to other states.

    “This training will also include medical representatives from our armed forces, paramilitary and security and intelligence agencies.

    ” As a nation, our response must be guided, systematic and professional. There is a need for consistency across the nation. All inconsistencies in policy guidelines between Federal and State agencies will be eliminated.”

  • BREAKING: Buhari dishes out orders to curtail COVID-19

    BREAKING: Buhari dishes out orders to curtail COVID-19

    President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the cessation of all movements in the federal capital territory (FCT) and in Lagos State, beginning from Monday, as part of measures to curtail the spread of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Nigeria.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports President Buhari gave the order in his nationwide broadcast on Sunday, when he said the measure was based on the advice of the federal ministry of health.

    “In Nigeria’s fight against #COVID19, there is no such thing as an overreaction or an under reaction. It is all about the right reaction by the right agencies & trained experts.

    “Accordingly, as a Government, we will continue to rely on guidance of our medical professionals and experts at the Ministry of Health @Fmohnigeria, NCDC and other relevant agencies through this difficult time.

    “As we are all aware, Lagos and Abuja have the majority of confirmed cases in Nigeria. Our focus therefore remains to urgently and drastically contain these cases, and to support other states and regions in the best way we can.

    “Based on the advice of @Fmohnigeria & @NCDCgov, I am directing the cessation of all movements in Lagos and the FCT for an initial period of 14 days with effect from 11pm on Monday, 30th March 2020. This restriction will also apply to Ogun State.

    “We will use this containment period to identify, trace and isolate all individuals that have come into contact with confirmed cases. We will ensure the treatment of confirmed cases while restricting further spread to other States,” Buhari said.

    He further stated, “We will use this containment period to identify, trace and isolate all individuals that have come into contact with confirmed cases. We will ensure the treatment of confirmed cases while restricting further spread to other States.

    “As we remain ready to enforce these measures, we should see this as our individual contribution in the war against #COVID19. Many other countries have taken similar measures in a bid to control the spread of the virus with positive results.

    “ I want to assure you all that all Government Ministries, Departments & Agencies with a role to play in the outbreak response are working hard to bring this virus under control.

    “Every nation in the world is challenged at this time. But we have seen countries where citizens have come together to reduce the spread of the virus. I will therefore implore that you strictly comply with the guidelines issued.

    “I will take this opportunity to thank all our public health workforce, health care workers, port health authorities and other essential staff on the frontlines of the response for their dedication & commitment. You are true heroes”.

    More details shortly…

  • Covid-19: FCTA enforcement team arrests pastor, closes churches, pharmacy

    Covid-19: FCTA enforcement team arrests pastor, closes churches, pharmacy

    The Federal Capital Territory Administration ( FCTA), Ministerial Enforcement Team on Covid-19 Restrictions, on Sunday arrested the General Overseer of Jesus Reign Family Church, Pastor U Uden for violating order on places of worship.

    The team also closed some churches for violating the restriction order and a popular pharmacy in FCT for operating below the required standard.

    The Chairman, FCTA Ministerial Enforcement Team, Mr Ikharo Attah, made the disclosure in a statement in Abuja.

    The church which is located not too far from the popular Cedacrest Hospital was in crowded session when the enforcement team arrived.

    Attah explained that the team waited patiently for the pastor to conclude the worship before approaching him to explain his wrongs and arrested him immediately.

    He explained further that the pastor was immediately taken to the FCT Police Command at Garki and handed him over to the policemen on duty.

    Similarly, the chairman said the team also dispersed worshippers at the Christ Embassy church located at Jahi District of the FCT.

    “In spite the presence of the team, the pastor of the church continued the service to the end while the team waited to avoid confrontation.

    “He was thereafter, arrested and handed over to the FCT police command headquarters at Garki.

    “The team also shut down the Popular H-Medix pharmacy located close to the popular Amingo supermarket at Wuse II.

    “”This is as a result of complaints received at the FCT COVID-19 situation room that the pharmacy does not have short-Gun thermometer and other required items to ensure the safety of Customers and staff,” Attah said.