TheNewsGuru

Tag: COVID-19

  • JUST IN: South Africa orders nationwide lockdown over COVID-19

    JUST IN: South Africa orders nationwide lockdown over COVID-19

    South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday ordered a 21-day country-wide lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

    He ordered South Africans to “stay at home” until midnight on April 16.

    Ramaphosa in his address said, “Immediate, swift and extraordinary action is required if we are to prevent a human catastrophe of enormous proportions

    “While this measure will have a considerable impact on people’s livelihoods, on the life of our society and our economy, the human cost of delaying this action would be far greater.”

    South Africa has confirmed 402 COVID-19 infections — the most in Africa.

    The first one was detected on March 5. Health Minister Zweli Mkhize has warned as much as 70% of the population could contract the illness over time.

    While Ramaphosa declared a national disaster a week ago and instituted travel bans, shut schools and banned large gatherings, those measures have failed to slow the pandemic’s spread.

  • Buhari directs all Abuja, Lagos residents to stay at home

    Buhari directs all Abuja, Lagos residents to stay at home

    President Muhammadu Buhari has strongly advised all Abuja and Lagos residents to stay at home and avoid mass congregation of any kind as well as non-essential outings until further advice is given.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the President advice is in line with the recommendation of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19), which also stipulated additional measures to curtail the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

    “Federal Government is at the highest level, engaging with State Governors in order to ensure a collaborative and effective response to #COVID19. All Abuja and Lagos residents are strongly advised to stay at home, avoid mass congregation of any kind as well as non-essential outings, until further advice is given,” Buhari posted on his official Facebook page.

    The President also stated that “If and when the need arises, any national assets required for use in the response to COVID-19 shall be mobilized and deployed”.

    According to the Facebook post, President Buhari has also ordered the suspension of the weekly federal executive council (FEC) meetings until further notice as one of the measures to curtail the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Also, postponement of the meeting of Council of State scheduled for Thursday 26 March, 2020 was okayed by the President.

    “All land borders that have been hitherto under partial closure shall now be closed to human traffic for 4 weeks eff. 23rd March, 2020.

    “In order to protect Federal Civil and Public Servants, a circular to be issued by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) shall direct on actions to be taken immediately.

    “If and when the need arises, any national assets required for use in the response to COVID-19 shall be mobilized and deployed.

    “Federal Government is at the highest level, engaging with State Governors in order to ensure a collaborative and effective response to #COVID19. All Abuja and Lagos residents are strongly advised to stay at home, avoid mass congregation of any kind as well as non-essential outings, until further advice is given,” the Facebook post read.

  • BREAKING: Buhari shutdown all land borders, suspends FEC indefinitely, postpones Council of State meeting

    BREAKING: Buhari shutdown all land borders, suspends FEC indefinitely, postpones Council of State meeting

    President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the shutdown of all the nation’s land borders and approved additional measures to curtail the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Buhari’s approval follows the recommendation of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19).

    According to a statement, President Buhari has ordered the suspension of weekly federal executive council (FEC) meetings until further notice as one of the measures.

    Also, postponement of the meeting of Council of State scheduled for Thursday 26 March, 2020 was okayed by the President.

    “All land borders that have been hitherto under partial closure shall now be closed to human traffic for 4 weeks eff. 23rd March, 2020.

    “In order to protect Federal Civil and Public Servants, a circular to be issued by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) shall direct on actions to be taken immediately.

    “If and when the need arises, any national assets required for use in the response to COVID-19 shall be mobilized and deployed.

    “Federal Government is at the highest level, engaging with State Governors in order to ensure a collaborative and effective response to #COVID19.

    “All Abuja and Lagos residents are strongly advised to stay at home, avoid mass congregation of any kind as well as non-essential outings, until further advice is given,” the statement read.

  • Edo Govt acts after recording first COVID-19 case

    Edo Govt acts after recording first COVID-19 case

    Following the upswing of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Nigeria, the Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has 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.

  • What NCDC wants Nigerians to do in face of the COVID-19 pandemic

    What NCDC wants Nigerians to do in face of the COVID-19 pandemic

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has launched a communication campaign with the theme, Take Responsibility and with on call on everyone to take necessary measures as the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation continues to evolve.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the NCDC urged Nigerians to take responsibility in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the country by practicing regular handwashing, avoiding large gatherings and physical contact, disinfecting surfaces, sharing information from official sources and self-isolation.

    It is no longer a joke for those who saw it to be so when cases of the pandemic were first reported in the country. The pandemic has resulted in the death of former Managing Director (MD) of the Pipelines and Product Marketing Company (PPMC), Suleiman Achimugu.

    As the COVID-19 pandemic situation continues to evolve in the country, misinformation and disinformation have continued to spread, and Nigerians have been cautioned to verify information before they share or outrightly desist from sharing information when they are not certain of the veracity.

    “Our biggest source of risk is travelers returning from high risk countries & are expected to self isolate for 14 days. Our appeal to #Nigerians is to #TakeResponsibility & prevent further transmission of the virus. Collective action is critical to control spread,” Director General of the NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu said.

    Also, over the last few days, the NCDC has engaged more volunteers at its call centre and expanded the lines in order to automate processes and serve Nigerians better.

    There is no need for panic and fear, as measures taken by governments at all levels, so far, gradually will curtail the COVID-19 pandemic, and Nigerians have been called to play their roles in this.

    https://youtu.be/6f-x0K7eC3A

    Highlights of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria

    • On the 23rd of March 2020, six new confirmed cases of COVID-19 recorded in Nigeria
    • Till date, thirty-six (36) cases have been confirmed, two cases have been discharged and one death from COVID-19 recorded in Nigeria
    • Of the five (6) new cases, one (1) is in Edo State, two (2) are in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and two (3) are in Lagos State
    • The case in Edo State is being treated at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital; cases in the FCT are being treated at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada; and the cases in Lagos State are being treated at the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), Yaba. All six (6) new cases have mild to moderate symptoms and are currently receiving treatment.
    • A multi-sectoral national emergency operations centre (EOC), activated at level 3, continues to coordinate the national response activities
  • Delta PDP holds congress amid COVID-19 shutdown

    Delta PDP holds congress amid COVID-19 shutdown

    Amidst the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and efforts to halt the spread by discouraging large gatherings, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta is set to hold its State congress tomorrow.

    A circular to all delegates, signed by Chief Onoriode Sunday reads: “Dear Delegate, I am directed to invite you to the 2020 State Congress holding at the Cenotaph, Asaba. Date. Tuesday 24/3/2020 Time. 10:00 am. Thanks for your usual cooperation and safe journey as you come. Chief Onoriode Sunday. SOS”.

    Some party stalwarts and other Deltans who spoke off record expressed shock at the insensitivity and callousness of the Delta State PDP.

    “Must the congress hold? Why the hurry? Are these people in tune with the global trend? And what is the governor saying in all this. This is sad,” a security agent lamented in exasperation. Our reporter also reached out to INEC where an official who refused to speak “on camera” expressed surprise at the desperation of Delta State PDP.

    Meanwhile, the National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP on Monday, in line with the measures being taken to safeguard the nation from the spread of COVID-19, has directed a partial shutdown and skeletal activities at the National Secretariat, Abuja from Wednesday, March 25, 2020.

    “The NWC also directs all PDP secretariats and offices across the country to comply with this directive accordingly. The PDP is already adopting pre-emptive health safety measures that will safeguard lives in all our offices nationwide.

    “The PDP enjoins Nigerians to comply with all directives by relevant agencies of government and the World Health Organization (WHO) with regard to keeping safe from the pandemic. “Our party identifies with Nigerians and the World Community at this critical time in our history. Kindly stay safe,” a statement signed by Kola Ologbondiyan, National Publicity Secretary of the party read.

  • WHO recommends ‘airborne precautions’ after coronavirus found to survive in air

    The World Health Organization is considering new “airborne precautions” for medical professionals after a new study suggested that the coronavirus can survive in the air for hours.

    Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove, head of WHO’s emerging diseases and zoonosis unit, emphasized Monday the importance of health care workers taking additional steps to protect themselves when performing some procedures on infected patients.

    The everyday person shouldn’t be concerned, Van Kerkhove said, but medical staff may be susceptible when performing procedures such as intubation — where a tube is placed down a patient’s throat and into their airway to assist with breathing.

    “When you do an aerosol-generating procedure like in a medical care facility, you have the possibility to what we call aerosolize these particles, which means they can stay in the air a little bit longer,” Van Kerkhove said.

    She added that it’s “very important that health care workers take additional precautions when they’re working on patients and doing those procedures.”

    The virus is typically transmitted through respiratory droplets, such as when someone sneezes or coughs, but a new study indicated that it can remain suspended in the air for up to three hours.

    The CDC currently recommends health care workers wear N95 masks — which are able to filter out about 95% of all liquid or airborne particles.

    Van Kerkhove’s remarks come as health care professionals across the world battle on the front lines of COVID-19, which has infected more than 190,000 people as of Tuesday afternoon, according to a tally from John Hopkins University.

     

  • Rep replies Abba Kyari over claim lawmakers refuse COVID-19 screening at airports

    Rep replies Abba Kyari over claim lawmakers refuse COVID-19 screening at airports

    A member of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, has seriously doubted that any member of the National Assembly (NASS) would pass through the airport and refused to submit himself for COVID-19 screening.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Kalu’s reaction is following reports of a leaked confidential memo written and addressed to the Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila by Abba Kyari, Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “First I have received a lot of enquiries as regards this particular memo though we have not confirmed the authenticity of where that memo originated from as an official document. But if we look beyond that, at the content of the memo, no matter where it originated from, it is pointing to the fact that this particular virus is no respecter of persons, no respecter of any social status or political status.

    “If there is particular equipment at the airport to help do screening of those who are coming into the country at the airport even if it is domestic flight, Nigerians should make use of it. There is this argument that the people that were accused or not making use of it were not members of the house, so I believe they are not members of the house because I doubt if any honourable member of the house would pass through that place without being checked because it is just one minute, two minutes, I have passed through that severally.

    “But if there is anyone who went through there without submitting himself for all this al important check, then it is wrong, it is unpatriotic, it is not good for our nation because health is important if not to you, to all Nigerians you will come in contact with. So let us forget about where the message came from, let us forget where the memo originated from, the most important thing is, the content of this memo is raising the consciousness that Nigerians should submit themselves no matter who you are to the people that are doing the screening at the airport and this screening should go beyond the airport.

    “Wherever there is a screening machine, if you are passing through it, it is expected that you submit yourself to be screened. There is nothing belittling there and it doesn’t waste time. So if actually it came from the presidency, I commend the writer of the memo, if it is the chief of staff, if it was the SGF, it shows that they are interested and conscious of every steps.

    “He that alleges must prove to put on the members of the house we need to see the proof because there are cameras at the airport, I am sure the camera must have captured the person rejecting to be screened and this should be made public, if there is something like that. But I seriously doubt that any member would pass through the airport and refused to submit himself for screening,” Kalu stated in an interview by AIT.

    When asked that some lawmakers have actually tested positive and are receiving treatments at private hospitals and have refused to open up on their health status, he said “I have not heard that one, I am not aware of that and it would be difficult to speak on what I am not aware of.

    “But it would be unfair for anybody to test positive and refuse treatment, do you want to die? The death rate is only 2% which means that if you are treated you will recover from it. Why reject treatment after being positive. I don’t think any member of the house would behave in that manner, I have not heard it but since you have said it we will investigate and find out”.

  • Management of COVID-19 cases, responsibility of States, centres – NCDC

    Management of COVID-19 cases, responsibility of States, centres – NCDC

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has said the management of cases of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is the responsibility of State governments and treatment centres.

    The NCDC said it will not be commenting on the management of individual cases, and that State governments where cases have been reported, and the treatment centres are doing their best.

    “The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) coordinates response activities during large outbreaks. States and treatment centres are primarily responsible for case management, with support and guidance from NCDC. These treatment centres are doing their best under difficult circumstances.

    “The NCDC will not provide comments on the management of individual cases. We also ask the public to respect the privacy of individuals and their families who are affected at this time,” Dr. Chikwe lhekweazu, Director General of NCDC said.

    Recall that the first death from COVID-19 have been recorded in the country, with the NCDC accused of neglecting the patient.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the first COVID-19 death case in the country was a 67 year old male who returned following a medical procedure in the United Kingdom (UK). He had underlying medical conditions, which the NCDC said are multiple myeloma and diabetes, and was undergoing chemotherapy.

    Meanwhile, family members have come out to say Suleiman Achimugu, the former Managing Director (MD) of Pipelines and Product Marketing Company (PPMC) died of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

    “He got back from UK 2 weeks ago. Started exhibiting symptoms on Tuesday. The family reported to the NCDC. They came to the house and took his blood specimen. They never got back to the family.

    “As of yesterday afternoon, he was coughing profusely. So they called the NCDC to inquire about his results. It turned out positive. They picked him up and rushed him to Gwagwalada. He died at 2am this morning. His family are currently under quarantine in their house,” a source revealed.

    Abubakar Achimugu, who made a statement on behalf of the family on Monday, said Suleiman died on Sunday.

    The statement reads: “Our family is deeply saddened to inform you of the sudden death of our beloved Father, Uncle, Brother and friend. Engr. Suleiman Achimugu (former Md of PPMC).

    “He died of COVID 19 on 22/03/2020 some days after he arrived Nigeria from the UK. He was in self isolation upon his return from the UK and personally called NCDC after experiencing some discomfort that are related to COVID 19 symptoms.

    “He tested positive and was promptly evacuated to the specialist hospital. He died while recieving treatment.

    “We implore the general public to pray upon his soul and the recovery of infected persons .Your thoughts and prayers would be appreciated.

    “Please maintain the public social distancing and restriction advice as we all walk through this very difficult time.

    “He has since been buried according to Islamic rites.May Allah SWA have mercy on him. Ameen”.

    Meanwhile, the NCDC said there are now 36 new cases of COVID-19 in the country.

    “On the 23rd of March 2020, six new confirmed cases of COVID-19 recorded in Nigeria.

    “Till date, thirty-six (36) cases have been confirmed, two cases have been discharged and one death from COVID-19 recorded in Nigeria

    “Of the five (6) new cases, one (1) is in Edo State, two (2) are in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and two (3) are in Lagos State.

    “The case in Edo State is being treated at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital; cases in the FCT are being treated at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada; and the cases in Lagos State are being treated at the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), Yaba. All six (6) new cases have mild to moderate symptoms and are currently receiving treatment.

    “A multi-sectoral national emergency operations centre (EOC), activated at level 3, continues to coordinate the national response activities,” highlights of the pandemic read on the NCDC microsite.

  • Reps C’ttee suspends investigative hearing on alleged N163m unpaid claim by Anchor Ins

    Reps C’ttee suspends investigative hearing on alleged N163m unpaid claim by Anchor Ins

    The House of Representatives Committee on Insurance and Actuarial Services on Monday suspended an investigative hearing on alleged N163 million unpaid insurance claim to Scratch ‘n’ Pay Ltd.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that due to the fear of the dreaded Coronavirus, the House Committee had to indefinitely suspend the investigative hearing into the matter.

    Please read statement below from the committee’s Secretariat sent to all stakeholders:

    “Cancellation of Meeting: In view of the Covid-19 Pandemic, I am directed to cancel the meeting scheduled for today. We are sorry for the inconveniences this might have caused”.

    As at the time of sending the statement, Anchor Insurance was yet to arrive but sent a message across that its management was on their way. But the petitioner, Scratch ‘n’ Pay was already at the venue.