TheNewsGuru

Tag: COVID-19

  • No COVID-19 patient at our facilities – Hotel Manager

    No COVID-19 patient at our facilities – Hotel Manager

    The management of Hotel Du Golf in Aba, Abia State has refuted a report trending on social media which alleged that a Lebanese guest at the hotel was diagnosed with the dreaded coronavirus, saying the report was a fake news circulated by some unscrupulous elements to cause panic at the hotel and in the state.

    Olamilekan Olalemi, consultant to the hotel, said the hotel only had a South African guest who visited a private hospital in Aba to treat malaria.

    According to him, the South Africa national who has been in the hotel for over a month now and never travelled out of the country, is working with a retail firm that is planning to open an outlet in Aba.

    “He is the engineer installing their equipment. The said person has never travelled out of Aba since he checked into the hotel. He was having malaria symptoms and he went to the hospital for test and malaria was diagnosed and treated,” said Olalemi.

    A Facebook user, with the name Dodoh Okafor had alleged in a post that a Lebanese guest lodging at the hotel showed symptoms of Coronavirus and was taken to the Abia State Teaching Hospital, where he was referred to FMC Aba.

    The hotel said the lies told by the Facebook user who claimed to work for Rootstv, an online media, showed clear desperation at his efforts to circulate a fake news, as there is no FMC in Aba.

    In a statement, Gibson Ejimogu, general manager of the hotel, said, “We hereby refute and condemn the post on Facebook by one “Dodoh Okafor” alleging that a Lebanese guest lodging at Hotel Du Golf had a test at Abia State Teaching Hospital in Aba and showed symptoms of Coronavirus.

    “In the first instance, Hotel Du Golf do not have any Lebanese guest. The entire claim by Dodoh Okafor is therefore, false, malicious and deceitful. He should be seen as an enemy of the state government and anti-hospitality potential of Abia State and its people as a whole.

    “The truth of the matter is that the guest is an engineer working for a retail outlet yet to be opened in Aba. He checked into the hotel on 20th February 2020. He is a South African and has been in the hotel for more than a month and since then, he had not travelled out.

    “We seize this opportunity to affirm our total commitment to the safety and well-being of our valued guests.”

    Olalemi also said the 94-room 5-star hotel, which is the biggest in Abia State is strictly committed to recommended hygiene and preventive practices against the coronavirus, stressing that the hotel provides thermometre for checking all guests’ temperature and hand-washing utilities at the entry point, lobby, bar, restaurants and other facilities.

    “We also check guests’ temperature at the entry point. We have hand sanitizers in all the rooms, at the restaurants and all other places at the hotel. Hotel Du Golf is number 1 hospitality centre in the whole of Abia State and receives guests from every part of the country and around the world, so, we cannot joke with our guests’ and staff health and welfare,” he added.

  • COVID-19: Analyst unbundles implications of falling oil prices on Nigerian economy

    COVID-19: Analyst unbundles implications of falling oil prices on Nigerian economy

    Oil and gas analyst, Ronke Onadeko on Wednesday in a tweet chat with the Nigeria Natural Resource Charter (NNRC) and other experts unbundled the implications of falling oil prices on the Nigerian economy as the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) rage through most countries in the world.

    Recall that the Nigerian government reduced the pump price of petrol to 125 naira, as the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic weighs down financial markets, slowing economic activity globally. This has generated a lot of commentaries in the media, with many people thanking the Nigerian government for reducing the pump price of petrol.

    Onadeko, in unbundling the implications of falling oil prices on the Nigerian economy, elucidated between under recovery and subsidies, and deregulation and liberalisation of the oil and gas sector.

    “With liberalization, government has oversight duties to keep an eye on trade and market forces to avoid unfairness, price fixing, etc. Under recovery is what is referred to when NNPC is the only importer of petrol and funds its purchase and logistics directly from revenue generated by the nation’s crude sales. The entire cost is removed from source, ie the difference between landed cost of petrol and pump price.

    “Subsidies are when the government pays for a portion of cost to customers, it is deemed to be political, popular, however, wasteful in climes when the masses don’t benefit much. We need to know that as crude oil prices increase, the cost of subsidy to the government increases, and the same goes for the increase in Dollar exchange rates. So high crude prices mean high costs of subsidy to the government.

    “Deregulation and liberalization are two terms I will explain so we are clear. Deregulation is when the regulation from the government is removed to allow market forces dictate rules of price, there will be no restrictions. Liberalisation on the other hand is when the controls are relaxed,” she stated.

    Onadeko went further to state that “the COVID-19 pandemic brought up some issues that means global oil prices dropped, world economy slowed down, demand for oil internationally dropped, NNPC can’t find buyers for its crude, over 50 cargoes have gone unsold, price wars between Russia and Saudi arabia have further worsened the price.

    “Cheap oil prices in other countries make their cargoes more buyable so we are left with little or no income for Nigeria, with reminder that 80 percent of our Dollar revenues come from crude sales. The more NNPC deducts the less can be saved for pain days, the less that is available to fund the budget, the less that is available for development etc, government spending shrinks, it allows and covers inefficiencies, waste and corruption in some cases.

    “Under recovery as I mentioned is when the landed cost of fuel is higher than what it is sold for at the pump, we lose money, the loss is augmented from revenues from crude oil sales, the deduction by NNPC impacts funding to the economy, state and local government disbursements. So, our budget for 2020 is in trouble, no revenue to fund it, we also have Dollar debts to pay so NNPC can’t afford to be the sole porter of PMS anymore, it is not the most efficient buyer, supplier of PMS to the Nigerian market”.

    Speaking on if the Nigerian government has gone back on previous attempts to deregulate, Onadeko said, “liberalization is where we are now, NNPC is no longer fully in charge of buying and supplying PMS. It is not the sole determinant of landing prices. Independent marketers have now been invited by NNPC to take over and join hands to supply products into the market. The climate for importation has changed and this time, the price has had a downward review reflecting the lower crude price. Landing cost has gone from N137 in February to about N64 in March. This will keep prices at the N125 per liter price for the rest of the month.

    On how often to expect new pump prices, and why Nigerians can’t be allowed to enjoy ‘oil money’ through subsidies, the oil and gas analyst said, for now the price is till end of March, and that NNPC and PPPRA will review the price in April using the PPPRA template, and that Nigerians will enjoy oil money in better ways with deregulation.

    “More Nigerians can find jobs in the sector, it will open up new businesses, competition will be good and it will cause prices to be more realistic, no hidden costs or corruption. For now the price is till the end of March. NNPC and PPPRA will review the price in April using the PPPRA template. We may not see pump prices reflect immediately because of existing stock that will need to be used up. Independent marketers will start importing and we should see their cargoes entering the market in about 3 weeks. On the first working day of April there will be a review and adjustment to match the international oil price for crude and any other adjustments for forex rates using the PPPRA template.

    “There will be better accountability of revenues and less shortages. We should see increased spending in other sectors from the monies not lost to subsidies and under recovery. We should start seeing independent marketers getting busier, hiring more people, refining interests should be storing and costs should start coming down, it is good news for Nigerians. The government will stop bleeding because they no longer have to pay for subsidies, the losses we incur when NNPC imports will disappear, this will help us manage our meager revenues better, there is now going to be more money to invest in health infrastructure and education.

    “Liberalizing the sector will make the sector more efficient, cheaper fuel will be available, more companies will participate in the value chain, competition will drive fair prices, technology will be deployed and transparency will increase. Just as we didnt imagine how 2020 will start with COVID-19, we should plan independently of the private investment of Dangote. Privatization has worked for the eleme petrochemical plant, I can’t see why not instead of wasting money doing repeated turn around maintenance exercises,” Onadeko said.

  • COVID-19: No visitor will leave the airport in Rivers – Wike

    COVID-19: No visitor will leave the airport in Rivers – Wike

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has said no visitors would be allowed to leave the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa and allowed entry into the State, going forward, in a move to check the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Wike stated this on Wednesday during a broadcast, announcing that his State would have been infected with COVID-19, but for the vigilance of security agents who, acting on a tip- off, prevented an infected person from boarding a flight from Abuja to Port Harcourt.

    “It is with gratitude to God that I announce to you that our State would have been infected with Coronavirus yesterday, but for the vigilance of security agents who, acting on a tip- off prevented an infected person from boarding a flight from Abuja to Port Harcourt.

    “The infected person beat all security measures that were put in place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and was to sneak into Port Harcourt before security agents stopped her.

    “Based on this alarming information, the State Security Council met yesterday and reviewed measures already put in place and decided that there was urgent need to adopt stringent measures to protect those living and doing business in the state from the virus.

    “The council has therefore taken the following painful decisions: With effect from 6pm on Thursday, March 26, 2020, the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa will not be open to air traffic. While we may not have the right to stop flights from entering Port Harcourt, we cannot allow anybody coming from the airport to enter our State. We are confident that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and other federal agencies will cooperate with us.

    “All Land and Sea Borders will be closed. Vehicular movements in an out of the state have been banned. In essence no vehicle will leave Rivers State for any other State and no vehicle will be allowed to enter the state”.

    Governor Wike said that the new measures will be in place till further notice.

    “Let me reiterate that the situation we are facing requires drastic measures because Coronavirus has ravaged many countries. Security Agencies have been empowered to strictly enforce this directive. There will be no room for sacred cows because the virus is no respecter of persons.

    “May I once again call for the support and understanding of everyone living and doing business in Rivers State to help the relevant Government Agencies implement these measures to check the spread of Coronavirus to the state,” Wike said.

    He further stated that, “At this time in our national life, we must shun primordial sentiments and face the reality on ground. I am confident that God being on our side, the temporary hardship we are facing today will come to an end very soon”.

    Governor Wike recounted earlier measures taken by the Rivers State Government to tackle Coronavirus, emphasizing that they were still in force.

    “In that broadcast, I announced the setting up of Surveillance Posts at our land and sea borders, beginning from Tuesday, March 24, 2020. I also informed you that after due consultations with Religious Leaders, all forms of open worship including crusades and vigils were banned. Public Burials and weddings were prohibited, while public parks, night clubs and Cinemas were directed to close down,” he said.

  • BREAKING: 71-years-old Prince Charles tests positive for COVID-19

    BREAKING: 71-years-old Prince Charles tests positive for COVID-19

    Charles, Prince of Wales, who is the heir apparent to the British throne as the eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II, has tested positive to the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Clarence House made this known on Wednesday, stressing that it is not possible to ascertain from whom the Prince caught the virus owing to the high number of engagements he carried out in his public role during recent weeks.

    “The Prince of Wales has tested positive for Coronavirus. He has been displaying mild symptoms but otherwise remains in good health and has been working from home throughout the last few days as usual.

    “In accordance with Government and medical advice, the Prince and the Duchess are now self-isolating at home in Scotland.

    “The tests were carried out by the NHS in Aberdeenshire where they met the criteria required for testing. It is not possible to ascertain from whom the Prince caught the virus owing to the high number of engagements he carried out in his public role during recent weeks,” a statement by Clarence House read.

  • BREAKING: Gov. Obaseki enters self isolation after contacting COVID-19 positive patients

    BREAKING: Gov. Obaseki enters self isolation after contacting COVID-19 positive patients

    Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has entered into self isolation after coming in contact with several patients who have tested positive to the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor Obaseki, who urged his colleagues to get tested, stated this himself, stressing his samples have been taken for testing, and that he is taking this precaution to protect people that may otherwise come in contact with him.

    “I have gone into self-isolation and sent in my samples for testing after 2 persons I came in contact with tested positive for Coronavirus. I am taking this precaution to protect people that may otherwise come in contact with me. I urge my colleagues to get tested too,” the Governor tweeted on his official Twitter handle.

    Recall that a case of COVID-19 has been confirmed by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in the State, being the first case recorded in the southern Nigeria.

    Following confirmation of the case, Governor Obaseki had placed a ban on gatherings of more than 50 people in any part of the state, as part of efforts to prevent spread of the virus.

    The governor also ordered public officers below grade level 12 (except those providing essential services such as fire service and healthcare workers) to work from home until further notice.

    Governor Obaseki disclosed this while briefing newsmen on the steps taken by his administration to ensure the virus is curtailed in the state.

    Meanwhile, the Chief Medical Director of Irrua Specialist Hospital, Sylvanus Okogbenin, said Edo State has recorded its first case of coronavirus.

    Okogbenin said, “We have a patient who came back from Europe, was diagnosed and the result confirmed he tested positive for coronavirus. The person is presently under isolation. He is getting treatment and is expected to get better”.

    Governor Obaseki, who urged residents not to panic as the state government has taken serious steps to prevent further spread of the virus in the state, said his administration has developed an action plan to cope with the pandemic.

    The governor called on citizens to make public the identity of anyone that arrived from Europe, America or Asia in the last 30 days for screening and support.

    He assured that the state will provide the necessary support to check the pandemic in the state.

    Obaseki said, “We have three isolation centres in Benin City, Irrua and Auchi; a federal government testing centre in Irrua, and a large number of a well-trained and certified health workers to trace and treat patients.

    “All public officers below grade level 12 (except those providing essential services such as fire service and healthcare workers) should work from home until further notice. All schools should remain closed. In order to give effect to our social distancing policy, gathering of more than 50 people is prohibited in Edo State till further notice. Public transportation will remain in operation, however crowding in commercial vehicles should be avoided.

    “Coronavirus is not a death sentence, so no need to panic. The common signs and symptoms of the coronavirus infection include dry cough, fever and difficulty in breathing.”

    “Since COVID 19 is a virus that is transmitted from one person to another through close contact, the most important and proven remedy to reduce its spread is through social distancing. Citizens are advised to postpone unnecessary travels in and out of Edo State and if possible, stay at home”, the governor added.

    He urged residents not to panic but remain calm and cooperate with the government by ensuring they follow the instructions and steps which have been outlined to curtail the COVID19.

    The governor also called on the people to report any signs or symptoms of coronavirus to the nearest designated hospital for monitoring, testing and care for quick recovery.

    The designated hospitals include the Central Hospital, Edo Specialist Hospital, Stella Obasanjo Hospital, Irrua Specialist Hospital, University of Benin Teaching Hospital and Auchi Specialist Hospital.

    “If you know of anyone who arrived from Europe, America or Asia in the last 30 days, please give the details of such persons, including their phone numbers, so that we can provide screening and any required support to them. Please call 08084096723, 08064258163, 08035835529 08074132010 for assistance,” he added.

  • Libya confirms first Covid-19 case

    Libya confirms first Covid-19 case

    Libya recorded its first confirmed case of the novel coronavirus on Wednesday, the UN-backed government announced, stoking concern that an outbreak could overwhelm the war-torn country’s already weakened health care system.

    As the novel coronavirus pandemic sweeps across the Middle East, countries have sought to slow the increase of cases by limiting the movements of hundreds of millions of people.

     

    A 73-year-old man, who crossed into Libya from neighbouring Tunisia on March 5, became the large North-African country’s first recorded case. The Libyan patient had recently traveled to Saudi Arabia, according to the National Center for Disease Control, and is receiving medical treatment for his fever and cough in isolation at a Tripoli hospital.

    The confirmation of Libya’s first case, three weeks after the patient’s arrival in the country, poses a test for its fragile medical system.

     

  • Coronavirus-infected Bauchi Governor: Dangote, ministers, governors at likely risk for COVID-19

    Coronavirus-infected Bauchi Governor: Dangote, ministers, governors at likely risk for COVID-19

    A review of the social media timeline of Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed who tested positive to coronavirus, shows that he had physical contacts with billionaire, Aliko Dangote; met the director-general of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Chikwe Ihekweazu and also attended the National Economic Council meeting in Abuja, where he interacted with several governors.

    The aforesaid activities of the sick Bauchi governor have since raised concerns that those he had personal contacts with may likely be at risk for Covid-19.

    Recall that the governor took the test after it was announced that Mohammed Abubakar, son of former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, had tested positive for the virus on Sunday, March 22.

    The governor also recently travelled to Germany, a high-risk country where he could have also contracted the virus.

    The governor had met Abubakar inside an Abuja-bound airplane in Lagos and reportedly shook his hand on March 17.

    Timeline of Bala Mohammed’s activity flow as it appears on his official handle, @SenBalaMohammed:

    He attended the National Economic Council meeting on March 19. The meeting regularly takes place at the Presidential Villa and comprises all 36 state governors, the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other top government officials.

    After his return from Germany, the governor led a high-level delegation from Bauchi State to the office of the NCDC, led by its director-general, Chikwe Ihekweazu.

    The meeting was to discuss Bauchi’s preparedness and response to Lassa fever and other infectious diseases.

    He met with billionaire, Aliko Dangote

    According to reports, the meeting with Dangote was on March 17 in Lagos, but the photo was posted on governor Mohammed’s timeline on the 18th of March, 2020.

    The governor had similarly tweeted about his meeting on March 17 with the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sabo Nanono, but it’s unclear if that happened before his contact with Mohammed.

    The governor also launched an affordable housing project in Bauchi that was attended by scores of people on March 21.

    Governor Mohammed could have been infected in Germany

    While the governor is believed to have been infected through contact with Mohammed (Atiku’s son), he had visited Germany before the two met. Germany is a high-risk country that has recorded nearly 30,000 cases of coronavirus.

    President Muhammadu Buhari’s chief of staff, Abba Kyari, recently tested positive for coronavirus after returning from the European country.

    During a meeting in Germany on March 13, the governor signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Water is Right Foundation, led by its founder, Rolf Stahlhofen.

    The governor failed to adhere to the directive of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for returnees from high-risk countries to self-isolate themselves for 14 days to watch for possible symptoms and avoid infecting others unknowingly.

  • COVID-19: NNPC clears air on Achimugu’s death, directs staff to work from home

    COVID-19: NNPC clears air on Achimugu’s death, directs staff to work from home

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has said all laid down protocols were followed in handling the case of Engr. Suleiman Achimugu, who died from Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) complications.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Dr. Kennie Obateru, Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the NNPC made this known in a statement on Tuesday.

    The corporation disclosed that the deceased, who was Managing Director of the then Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), a Downstream subsidiary of NNPC, went into self-isolation upon return from the United Kingdom on 10th March, 2020.

    According to the statement, the NNPC leadership, since the outbreak of the Coronavirus disease, has been providing daily enlightenment to staff on how to keep themselves and their families safe from infection.

    Consequently, in compliance with the Federal Government’s directive on the COVID -19, management of the NNPC has directed all office-based staff below management cadre across all its formations to work remotely from home with effect from today.

    “In compliance with the Federal Government’s directive on the COVID -19, the Management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has directed all office-based staff below Management cadre across all its formations to work remotely from home with effect from today.

    “A release today in Abuja by the corporation’s Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr. Kennie Obateru, said the directive which was conveyed to the NNPC workforce via a message signed by the National Oil Company’s Group Managing Director, Mallam Mele Kyari, directed all NNPC Strategic Business Units to activate their business continuity plans immediately to ensure minimal disruption to operations while protecting staff from exposure to the COVID-19.

    “The NNPC leadership, since the outbreak of the Coronavirus disease, has been providing daily enlightenment to staff on how to keep themselves and their families safe from infection.

    “Among others, it has ensured a compulsory temperature check on all staff and visitors, frequent handwash and the use of hand-sanitizer at points of entry into the Towers and all other locations of the corporation and the maintenance of social distancing at all times.

    “Meanwhile, the NNPC has condoled with the family of Engineer Suleiman Achimugu who passed on in the early hours of Monday after a bout with COVID-19.

    “The corporation disclosed that the deceased who was Managing Director of the then Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), a Downstream subsidiary of NNPC, went into self-isolation upon return from the United Kingdom on 10th March, 2020.

    “Consequent upon reporting palpable symptoms of Coronavirus disease, the NNPC Medical Services team collaborated with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Public Health Department to ensure that all laid down protocol were followed in handling the case of Engr. Achimugu who retired on 24th July 2009 as Group General Manager, Renewable Energy Division (RED) of NNPC,” the statement read.

  • [COVID-19] Drama in Senate: Lawmakers run for safety as colleague sneezes unexpectedly

    There was a mild drama at the Senate on Tuesday after the Chairman, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, sneezed unexpectedly during plenary.

    Frightened by their knowledge of ‘sneezing’ being one of the primary symptoms of novel Coronavirus, many of the senators took to their heels, observing a considerable social distance while others adjusted their masks to fit.

    According to reports, Adamu who represents Nasarawa West Senatorial District had to quickly put a mask on for sanity to reign.

    The development forced the Senate Leader, Yahaya Abdullahi, who was addressing the chamber to halt his speech as other senators burst into laughter.

    Meanwhile, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Mohammed Sani-Omolori, has shut down all forms of activities in the complex until further notice.

    Sani-Omolori, stated this in a circular marked, NASSICNAI46NOI 1/41 and dated March 24, 2020.

    The letter was addressed to the presiding officers of both chambers.

    The circular explained that the action was taken after a meeting between the management and the National Assembly leadership.

    For the records, Nigeria has recorded 44 confirmed cases of coronavirus.

  • Coronawatch [4]: Nigeria’s Critical Fortnight

    Coronawatch [4]: Nigeria’s Critical Fortnight

    As the World Health Organisation, WHO, says the virus is accelerating, this fortnight, for us, is critical. 15 days after the first deaths in Italy and U.S.A, death toll rose above 230, and then jumped. Remember: Nigeria recorded its first death from the virus March 22. Consequently, between now and April 6, we will likely tread this path. While hopefully, we work towards the best, and brace for the worst, not much gives solace that it will be better.

    One reason is the number of VIPs (I don’t mean Fela’s version of “Vagabonds in Power” but the more regular “Very Important Personalities”) right in Aso Rock that are self-isolating or testing positive. The President’s daughter, the President’s Chief of Staff, a former Vice-President’s son…. We pray that they will recover. And recover they will for they will surely have the best treatment possible.

    The problem: they may have infected others. Those that travelled with them. The protocol team that met them at the airport. The drivers, orderlies, and the usually large retinue of Nigerian VIPs. In one scenario, the case is said to have taken the children to school, gone for prayers on Friday, partied at the weekend, and had to be forced to hospital. Remember that even before the symptoms manifest, infection can take place. Someone needs to be focussing on all these “less important” personalities.

    It is projected that one infected person infects three people every week. Question is: do we have enough testing materials? Are they in the right places? Who is talking to us about the national plan? And please leave the President out of this, we need the experts, so the issues are not beclouded even further.

    Water: E No Get Enemy As always, it is about the simple things properly done. Basic hygiene, really. In this case, water.

    · Take lots of water. Every 15 minutes or so, drink water, thirsty or not

    · Under running water, wash hands regularly. Do the 20-second routine that covers the back, back in between fingers; front, front between fingers; nails, wrists on both hands

    · Ensure everyone washes before entering the house

    · Where there is no running water, improvise.

    Lastline: The Virus got the Olympic Games postponed to 2021; and claimed one of Africa’s greatest Saxophonists Manu Dibango. South Africa’s President Ramaphosa announced a three-week national lockdown; and Nigeria’s President Buhari ordered civil servants below grade level 12 to work from home.