TheNewsGuru

Tag: Lockdown

  • COVID-19 lockdown: LASTMA decries violation of traffic laws by exempted motorists

    COVID-19 lockdown: LASTMA decries violation of traffic laws by exempted motorists

    The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) on Saturday decried disregard for traffic rules and regulations by motorists exempted from the lockdown order to curb spread of Coronavirus.

    The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olajide Oduyoye, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the disobedience to traffic rules was accidents waiting to happen.

    Oduyoye, assessing the traffic situation, said: “The traffic is a bit stabilised once the enforcement of unnecessary and unauthorised vehicular movement was stepped up few days ago.

    “However, the few vehicle owners that have been allowed seem to be breaking most traffic rules, driving against flow of traffic; reversing on major highways; jumping red lights and speeding.

    “The traffic queue lengths have also reduced and being managed properly by the Police supported by officers of LNSC (Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps) and others.”

    Oduyoye advised the motoring public that were allowed to be on the road either officially or going to the market, to drive carefully and obey traffic rules.

    According to him, traffic rules and regulations are not on lockdown.

    “They (motorists) must be at alert from a safety and security point of view and most importantly adhere to all traffic rules and regulations because those laws are not on lockdown and they have certainly not been suspended either.

    “Drive defensively so that the potential irresponsible act of other motorists does not invariably costs you your dear life. Just be careful on the roads and stay safe,” he said.

    President Muhammadu Buhari in a Presidential broadcast on the Coronavirus pandemic on March 29, gave a restriction order on movements in Lagos, Ogun and the FCT.

    The lockdown is for an initial period of 14 days with effect from 11 p.m. on March 30.

  • Lockdown: Churches are places of blessings, not infections—Pastor Chris Oyakhilome[VIDEO]

    Senior Pastor of the Believers Love World a.k.a Christ Embassy has reacted to the decision of some state governors to relax the lockdown order in their states for churches to celebrate Easter.

    The revered cleric while preaching on Friday April 10th, averred that the church is not a place of infections, but a place of blessings. He prayed against anyone coming to church and getting infected.

    In his words: ”The best thing in any government is to always leave the church alone. It is always the best thing. The wisest leader understands that. They leave the church alone. When you trouble the church, there is a scripture”.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-12orkjaVQ/

     

     

    TheNewsGuru recalls that Oyakhilome was criticized on social media last week, after he claimed that the 5G network was part of attempts by the Anti-Christ to establish a New World Order (NWO) and that the COVID-19 is the virus meant to create fear that will drive people to embrace his rule.

    Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, Senior Pastor of Kingsway International Christian Centre debunked claims made by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome .

    In a short video posted online, Ashimolowo described claims of links between 5G network and Coronavirus as fake news.

    “It’s fake news to associate 5G to coronavirus,” he said.

     

     

  • JUST IN: Obiano orders total lockdown of Anambra hours after COVID-19 index case surfaces

    Anambra Governor Willie Obiano has ordered total lockdown of the state, which recorded its index case of COVID-19 on Friday.

    He directed security operatives to arrest violators of the new order where necessary

    The Governor gave the directives on Saturday during a broadcast to the state on the new development

    According to him: “Ndi Anambra, I regret to announce that despite our proactive measures to insulate our dear state from this pandemic, we recorded the first case of Coronavirus in the state Friday.

    ” The index case came in from Lagos. He has been placed in one of our Protective Care Centres.

    “At the same time, we have commenced aggressive Contact Tracing to ensure that everyone he came in contact with is brought into the net for a professional handling that will save lives.”

    He added: “Ndi Anambra, I urge you not to panic over this. It did not take us by surprise. We are adequately prepared to handle the situation”

    “We have trained enough manpower on how to handle Covid-19 cases and our Protective Care Centers are among the best in the country at the moment”

    Obiano, further announced new measures to be taken to contain the spread of the virus.

    Such measures, he said, included restriction on movement which had been extended by two weeks.

    He said: “This time, we are placing a comprehensive lock down on Anambra State. We shall not tolerate any movement across the state by individuals and groups”

    “Only people on essential services are permitted to move around in the delivery of those services to the people”

    “Ndi Anambra are advised to stay indoors to avoid getting contaminated by this virus.

    “The security agencies will enforce the restriction on movement this time and they have my authorization to make arrests where necessary to keep our dear state safe”

    “All boundaries with neighbouring states remain closed. There will be no vehicular or human traffic across all the boundaries of Anambra State.”

  • Security operatives begin enforcement of total lockdown of Kwara

    Security operatives begin enforcement of total lockdown of Kwara

    The total lockdown order by the Kwara Government has commenced with strict enforcement by security operatives to curtail the spread of Coronavirus infection among residents.

    A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Correspondent, who monitored the commencement of the order around 6.45 p.m in Illorin, reports that men and officers of the Nigeria Police barricaded major roads in Ilorin metropolis.

    A visit by the correspondent around Ilorin metropolis revealed that Unity Road, ‘A’ Division, Muritala Muhammed Road, Offa Garage Roundabout extended to Olunlade among other places were barricaded.

    NAN reports that barely 30 minutes into the exercise, the major streets in the Ilorin were deserted for fear of arrest by security agents.

    NAN learnt that there was a combined team of the men and officers from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Nigeria Immigration Service, Man ‘O’ War and the police enforcing the order as at the time of filing this report.

    The state government on Thursday, announced a total lockdown of vehicular, movement of people and all businesses from 6 p.m. on Friday.

    The restriction order however, allowed banks, pharmacies and foodstuff traders to open for business only on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between 10 a.m and 2 p.m.

  • Banky W faults lockdown relaxation by govs

    Nigerian musician and actor, Banky W has condemned the lockdown directive aimed at combating spread of the coronavirus pandemic over Easter celebrations.

    Sharing his thoughts on the development,the 39-year-old showbiz mogul wondered why such state governors would take such actions when the country has continued to witness increased cases of the novel disease.

     

    “So for the state governors that have suspended isolation and social distancing for Easter… Do they have an agreement with the coronavirus that it will also go on Easter break as well? These our ‘leaders,” he wrote on Instagram.

     

    https://www.instagram.com/p/B-zEa2OHYfe/

    His remark comes about the same time when Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra state, opposed the idea of lockdown relaxation for Easter celebrations.

    “It is wrong to relax lockdown because of people going to church. Faith is a thing of the mind. You can worship without going to church,” Obi had stated during a programme on Arise Television on Friday.

     

     

  • Covid-19: Lockdown in Abuja, Lagos, others continue – FG

    Covid-19: Lockdown in Abuja, Lagos, others continue – FG

    The Federal Government yesterday announced that the lockdown of some states, including Lagos and Abuja, as earlier proclaimed by President Muhammadu Buhari, continues.

    Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, who spoke in Abuja yesterday, said government was working on incentives, medical and life insurance for medical workers in the frontline of the fight against the pandemic, adding: “The evaluation of the impact of the restriction order of movement continues as the Presidential Task Force (PTF) will appropriately brief the President shortly and Nigerians will be adequately informed of the decision of Government.”

    Mustapha also reiterated that the presence of Chinese medical professionals in the country was purely advisory and for capacity building, especially on the protection of frontline health workers and maintenance of the equipment that they have brought.

    Giving an update on efforts by government to curtail the pandemic at a media briefing, Mustapha re-emphasised that the Chinese medical team “will not directly meet nor interact with our patients while in Nigeria.”

    He said he was aware and has indeed been a champion of the reform and transformation of the healthcare system, contrary to reports in some sections of the media that he was ignorant of the level of decay in the health sector, noting that the PTF assignment has afforded him the opportunity to dig deeper, interrogate and x-ray the system better.

    The SGF appealed to all the sub-national entities to recognise the serious nature of the COVID-19 situation and form a synergy with the federal government, so that the war would be won.

    He assured that all members of the Chinese working team have been undergoing the mandatory 14-day quarantine in Nigeria before engaging in their primary role of providing guidance on usage and deployment of the equipment.

    “On the issue of facemasks, the PTF is developing a national policy on its usage and Nigerians will be duly informed as soon as the policy is finalised,” he said

    While commending the frontline healthcare workers for their commitment and sacrifices so far, Mustapha added: “The nation appreciates you and shall do everything possible to protect you.”

  • Special Report: Nigeria likely to record multiple COVID-19 cases in weeks as governors relax lockdown for Easter

    Special Report: Nigeria likely to record multiple COVID-19 cases in weeks as governors relax lockdown for Easter

    At a time nations are working round-the-clock to eliminate and contain the spread of the deadly coronavirus disease [COVID-19] by ensuring strict enforcement of government policies especially the stay-at-home order which has become a global approach sort of, some Nigerian governors are busy relaxing the lockdown that was largely disrespected in the first place.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Michel Yao, the Africa programme manager for emergency response of the World Health Organisation (WHO) at a media teleconference on Thursday predicted that African countries could see a peak in coronavirus cases in the coming weeks and testing should be urgently increased in the region.

    “During the last four days, we can see that the numbers have already doubled. If the trend continues, and also learning from what happened in China and in Europe, some countries may face a huge peak very soon,” he said, adding that it could arrive in the coming weeks, but without naming countries.

    It was also as part of desperate measures to contain the spread of the virus in Nigeria that President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday, March 29 in his nationwide broadcast imposed a two-week lockdown on flagged areas like Lagos, Ogun and Abuja. However, as complementary efforts, other states with few confirmed cases of the virus also pronounced a lockdown to keep the numbers low since body contact with an infected person happens to be one of the easiest ways to contact the virus. TNG reports that as at 9:30 pm on Friday, April 10, Nigeria has 305 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 58 have been discharged with 7 deaths.

    Danger in relaxing lockdown for Easter, other religious activities

    Nothing can be as worrisome as the decision of some governors to relax the self imposed curfew in their states aimed at preventing or reducing the spread of the virus. While it is true that some of the concerned states either have low or no confirmed coronavirus case, however, prevention has always been better than cure. For states that have not closed their borders, an innocently infected person could gain entrance into the state from a high risk neighbouring state and mix with as many people as possible during this period of ‘free movement’. This was the case of a transiting infected person that eventually died in Delta on Thursday.

    Confirming the development, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa said: “I have just been informed of another case of #COVID19 in Delta State. The individual in question, had underlying health issues and had visited Lagos State in the past two weeks. The patient presented himself late to one of our hospitals with severe symptoms.

    “These symptoms included difficulty in breathing. He was immediately given the necessary attention by healthcare professionals. Shortly after the specimen was taken, he passed away. However, his test results came back positive today.

    “In order to mitigate against the spread of the virus, we are fast-tracking our contact tracing to ensure that all those that came in contact with the deceased patient are properly isolated and tested immediately.

    “Again, it is important that as we work to protect the citizens and residents of our state, families and friends of individuals that are exhibiting the primary symptoms of the #COVID19 virus, do not keep it from the authorities. If you see something; say something.”

    One can only imagine the catastrophe that would have happened if the scenario above played out in one of the state during this suspension of the curfew.

    TNG reports that already, states, such as Imo, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Bayelsa and Abia, which earlier imposed restrictions, relaxed them on Wednesday.

    Ebonyi State government granted a partial restoration of religious activities in the state.

    The government relaxed the ban on burials by giving those in the state between April 9 and 20 to bury their dead loved ones.

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma said residents were free to shop today for Easter.

    Also yesterday, Abia State government announced a two-day intra-state movement.

    Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chris Ezem, said residents were free to move about on Good Friday and Easter Sunday to enable them to shop and perform other religious activities in commemoration to Easter.

    Rivers State Government also temporarily relaxed the restrictions.

    In a broadcast on Thursday, Governor Nyesom Wike said the directive permits the Muslim community to observe their Jumaat Prayers today, while Christians can hold Easter services on Sunday.

    Bayelsa State government also relaxed its lockdown measures for Easter celebrations.

    Governor Duoye Diri’s Acting Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, said the measure was specific to church services during the Easter celebration.

    Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello lifted the ban on religious grounds.

    Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, said it was to allow religious bodies to have their normal worship, but called for caution.

    The Delta State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa also on Friday relaxed the lockdown with some conditions attached. Katsina State Governor who had earlier relaxed the lockdown was forced to enforce it again on Friday with three new cases of coronavirus discovered in Daura Local Government of the state.

    Relaxing lockdown will fuel transmission – NMA warns governors

    Sensing danger in the action of the governors and an outbreak that it personnel might not be able to handle, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) warned state governments against relaxing the lockdown orders saying the relaxation will only heighten the transmission of the virus, as there are evidences of community transmission in the country.

    In a statement on Friday in Abuja, the President of the NMA, Dr. Francis Faduyile said: “The attention of the Nigerian Medical Association has been drawn to some isolated statements negating the established measure of preventing COVID-19 – social distancing; and orders by some state governors authorising the mass observance of Jumat prayers and Easter Sunday services.

    “Of particular concern are: the declaration by the Cross River State Governor that social distancing is not needed while wearing a face mask; a moratorium on the lockdown to allow mass gathering in mosques and churches starting from Friday to Sunday in Rivers state; and the lifting of the ban on Friday prayers by Katsina and Kogi States government.

    “We are aware that similar orders have also been given in Ondo, Ebonyi and Imo states which have approved mass attendance of Easter services.

    “While appreciating the prime place of religion in our national lives and especially the value Christians place on Easter, we place on record that there is now the evidence of community transmission of COVID-19.

    “As such, relaxing any guideline that promotes mass gatherings in any part of our nation now can only heighten and not flatten the curve of transmission dynamics.

    “We therefore pray all authorities concerned to rescind their decision in the interest of safety of lives and implore the Nigerian Police force and other security agencies ensure that such gatherings do not take place.”

    Nigerians still skeptical of COVID-19

    Meanwhile, a large section of the populace, particularly the unread, still bask in the euphoria of ‘I am not rich, the disease cannot catch me’. This is despite the public service announcements on radio, television, online and offline newspapers and social media.

    A public relations expert, Olusegun Kugbayi while suggesting ways of better reaching the uninformed said: “The question is how many people in the rural areas have access to the internet, radio and television. We look down on some of these things as common or basic because we are in the city. To reach these people government, particularly the states and local must work with the traditional rulers and also deploy town criers to the villages and communities where access to electricity and broadcast media is still luxury.

    If state governments implement their ugly decision to impose a curfew, the doubting Nigerians will be convinced in his ignorance the more that the COVID-19 is not real. Because truly it sound logically to question that ‘Why relax preventive measures if its real? Does the virus identify holidays as holy as it may be?,” he queried.

    FG hints on possibility of lockdown extension

    TNG reports that the lockdown which took full effect on Tuesday, March 31 is supposed to last till Tuesday, April 14. The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force against COVID-19 and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha recently said only President Buhari can decide and extend the lockdown if need be. The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has also warned that the lockdown might be extended if Nigerians refused to comply with the stay at home orders.

    “If we don’t behave ourselves, there is a likelihood that the lockdown will be extended,” the Minister said at a press conference by the Presidential Task Force on Coronavirus in Abuja recently.

    Lai Mohammed urged Nigerians to observe social distancing and a good hygiene, so everyone can get back to their normal lives after the 14-day lockdown.

    Lai Mohammed continued, “but if we behave ourselves, there might not be an extension and I hope we do so.

    “If we stay at home for two weeks, and we are doing everything we are supposed to do, we should be able to effectively contain the disease.

    “Therefore, my appeal to Nigerians is that they should obey the directive on social distancing, personal hygiene and shun gatherings; after two weeks, we will resume our normal life.

    “But if they think it is a joke, then we may have to stay at home more than the two weeks.”

    Borrowing a leaf from South Korea

    The head of the religious sect that has been at the centre of the coronavirus outbreak in South Korea, Lee Man-hee recently apologised to his nation for the disease’s spread.

    Lee Man-hee, the leader of the Shincheonji Church of Jesus, got on his knees and bowed at a news conference on Monday, March 2nd.

    Then, about 60% of the country’s more than 4,000 confirmed cases were sect members. Deaths nationwide then stood at 28. However, as at Friday, 10 April, the country has recorded 10,450 cases with 208 deaths and 7,117 recovered.

    Prosecutors in South Korea have been asked to investigate Mr Lee on possible charges of gross negligence.

    “Although it was not intentional, many people have been infected,” said the 88-year-old leader. “We put our utmost efforts, but were unable to prevent it all.”

    Of the confirmed cases, about 75% are from the southern city of Daegu and 73% of those have been linked to the Shincheonji Church.

    In the capital, Seoul, the mayor urged the city’s 10 million residents to work from home and to avoid crowded places.

  • Bayelsa, Abia, Ebonyi, Kogi, A’Ibom, Rivers, relax lockdown

    Bayelsa, Abia, Ebonyi, Kogi, A’Ibom, Rivers, relax lockdown

    Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, on Thursday directed his officers and men to enforce the restrictions designed to contain the spread of coronavirus during the Easter celebration

    While felicitating with Christians as they mark Easter, he urged worshippers to observe prayers and worship programmes in their homes.

    Police spokesman Frank Mba urged religious leaders in Lagos and Ogun states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as well as others affected by the restriction orders to continue to cooperate with relevant government agencies.

    “The IGP notes that the call has become necessary in order to curtail the community spread of the COVID-19 pandemic which has immensely challenged humanity across all spheres of life,” he said.

    States, such as Imo, Ebonyi, Bayelsa and Abia, which earlier imposed restrictions, relaxed them yesterday.

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma said residents were free to shop today for Easter.

    Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, said in a statement that food markets and food vending supermarkets would be allowed to open from 6 am to 6pm today.

    “The total lockdown of the state resumes with full force from Saturday, April 11, 2020,” he added.

    Ebonyi State government also granted a partial restoration of religious activities in the state.

    The government relaxed the ban on burials by giving those in the state between April 9 and 20 to bury their dead loved ones.

    Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Uchenna Orji, said worshippers are expected to attend their normal service only on Sunday for Christians and Friday for Muslims with effect from April 12, 2020.

    “Every worshipper must wear a face mask, including handkerchief or head tie. The service Centre must be provided with hand sanitisers and running water for washing of hands. There shall be no religious gatherings other than on Sundays.”

    Also yesterday, Abia State government announced a two-day intra-state movement.

    Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chris Ezem, said residents were free to move about on Good Friday and Easter Sunday to enable them to shop and perform other religious activities in commemoration to Easter.

    Rivers State Government also temporarily relaxed the restrictions.

    In a broadcast on Thursday, Governor Nyesom Wike said the directive permits the Muslim community to observe their Jumaat Prayers today, while Christians can hold Easter services on Sunday.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the relaxation on mass religious gathering is limited only to the afore-mentioned respective dates.”

    The Lagos State debunked reports that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has relaxed the lockdown order in the state, describing the news as false. Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said: “The lockdown order was made by the President and it is only the President that can relax or extend it.

    “Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has not relaxed the lockdown order. He is not in a position to do so because he did not impose the lockdown order in the first place. The Governor will not unilaterally relax the restrictions of movement.

    “The lockdown order is in the best interest of everyone. I, hereby, urge Lagosians to exercise more patience by staying at home so that the gains recorded so far in our fight against COVID-19 will not be frittered away.”

    Bayelsa State government also relaxed its lockdown measures for Easter celebrations.

    Governor Duoye Diri’s Acting Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, said the measure was specific to church services during the Easter celebration.

    He said churches with large congregation would be permitted to have 50 persons during services, while 20 worshippers would be allowed for smaller churches.

    Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello lifted the ban on religious grounds.

    Commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, said it was to allow religious bodies to have their normal worship, but called for caution.

    Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states also lifted the ban on movement for Easter.

     

  • Lockdown breach: Popular Lagos lawyer, Adegboruwa begs Sanwo-Olu to pardon Funke Akindele, others

    Lockdown breach: Popular Lagos lawyer, Adegboruwa begs Sanwo-Olu to pardon Funke Akindele, others

    Popular Lagos lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has appealed to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to grant state pardon to Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele.

    Akindele and her husband, Abdul Rasheed Bello, popularly known as JJC Skillz were arrested and charged to court for hosting a party during Coronavirus lockdown in Lagos.

    They were sentenced to 14-day community service and N100,000 fine each.

    While speaking with journalists in court on Thursday in Ogba, after the proceedings that terminated the charges brought against Babatunde Gbadamosi and Azeez Fashola (Naira Marley), the human rights activist appealed that Akindele should be granted reprieve, more so that she has demonstrated remorse for her conduct.

    According to him, since the federal government had granted amnesty to 2,600 prisoners, the governor should emulate this good gesture and show fatherly love to the Akindeles.

    “This should also be extended to all those arrested for jogging on the streets, as they could not have all set out deliberately to disobey the COVID 19 Regulation,” he said.

    He added that since “we are facing a novel situation at hand, government should show some magnanimity to its citizens, as is being done all over the world. Nigerians have never been locked down for this long, without food or money and it is not proper to add to their woes with arrest and prosecution.”

    He commended the steps so far taken by the government and urged all Nigerians to continue to cooperate with the government to end the scourge.

  • Kwara announces total shutdown to flatten Covid-19 curve

    Kwara announces total shutdown to flatten Covid-19 curve

    In a renewed bid to curtail the spread of COVID-19, Kwara state government on Thursday announced a total lockdown on the state for 14 days.

    This is exactly 48 hours after the state took a similar step in Offa, Offa local government.

    The state added that the total shutdown is necessary to flatten the curve of transmission of the coronavirus pandemic in the state.

    The government said violators of the pronouncement may face prosecution in line with the state regulations on the pandemic — except vehicles carrying goods and services such as food and drugs and categories earlier exempted in a recent address by President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The administration also commended Abuja and the World Health Organisation (WHO) for their technical supports, including recently helping to strengthen government’s response team and training of its LGA disease surveillance and notification officers (DSNOs) on COVID-19 preparedness, response and surveillance.

    “The government hereby bans all vehicular movements, including private and commercial vehicles, from 6p.m. tomorrow, Friday 10 April, 2020,” stat Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Technical Committee on COVID-19, Kayode Alabi said at a news briefing in Ilorin, the state capital.

    “The only exceptions are commercial trucks carrying goods and services who would operate with absolute respect for social distancing and other COVID-19 safety protocols. All kinds of shops, bars, pubs, and markets are hereby shut until further notice. Markets, where foods and medications are sold, will open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, between 10 a.m. and 2p.m.

    “Contractors working on government projects are allowed to proceed to work with no more than 20 workers on site at one time.”

    He said previous restrictions remain and would be enforced.

    Commending the Federal Government and the WHO, Alabi said the NCDC has sent down a crack team of experts to strengthen its capabilities to combat the spread of the virus.

    “Th government also commends the World Health Organisation for the recent training of our health officials across the 16 local government areas on community-level COVID preparedness, response and surveillance. All our LGA Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers (DSNOs) are now back in their localities to do a step down training for community informants and focal persons,” he said.

    Alabi also expressed strong disapproval of the alleged stigmatisation of COVID-19 patients or other persons and communities on account of their contacts with any patient.

    He warned that anyone caught doing so may be prosecuted in line with the regulation and relevant laws.

    Said he: “The government is dismayed by reports of some people stigmatising the families, relations and acquaintances of persons who have tested positive for COVID-19. This development is not only unhealthy but it is in fact inimical to the efforts to trace contacts and flatten the curve of transmission of the virus.

    “As was aptly observed by His Excellency in his live press briefing of Tuesday April 8, the government repeats clearly that contracting COVID-19 is neither a death sentence nor a crime. Anyone who has contracted it is a victim of an unknown enemy. They are not villains to be stigmatised. Just anyone can be victim of the deadly virus. All the patients and their families are persons to be catered for at this time. This is a tough time for them and nobody will be allowed to add to their worries!

    “We state also that the government has carefully refused to mention the names of patients or their families. It has accorded the patients and their families all the rights, privileges and confidentiality due to them under relevant laws and ethics. The government will not hesitate to prosecute anyone found guilty of stigmatising patients and communities, or robbing them of their dignity. We warn that sharing of the picture of any COVID-19 patient qualifies as a crime and government will treat the despicable characters behind it as suspected criminals going forward.

    “We assure the public that everything is being done to prevent community transmission and there is no use destroying years of community peace and relationships in the guise of identifying (COVID-19) contacts, whether primary or secondary. The cases at the isolation centre are stable and without any symptoms, and are getting the right care and support every step of the way.

    “Fellow Kwarans, we repeat that this is no time to panic. Please stay calm. The Government will do everything to keep you safe. But we also need you to play your own role. Stay at home. Keep social distancing. Avoid crowd. Prioritise personal hygiene. And please do not spread unverified news. Once again, we pray for all those infected to get well soon. We assure them of getting the best care possible. We also thank all our healthcare givers for their priceless contribution to humanity. We are grateful to all of you and we urge you to do your best for us at this time and always.”