Tag: Lockdown

COVID-19: See new government guidelines on easing of lockdown

The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has reeled out guidelines as government rallies best options to consider before easing the lockdown emplaced to curtailing the spread of the COVID-19 in the country.

Chairman of the PTFCOVID-19, Mr. Boss Mustapha, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, reeled out the guidelines at the national briefing of Monday.

In his remarks, Mustapha said based on the overall assessment, including available data on the public health considerations and resultant economic impacts, the PTF is of the opinion that Nigeria is ready to allow science and data determine her cautious advancement into the second phase of the eased lockdown for a period of four (4) weeks.

After considering all factors mentioned above, the PTF submitted its recommendations and the PRESIDENT approved the following for implementation over the next four weeks spanning 2nd – 29th June, 2020, subject to review-:

i. Cautious advance into the Second Phase of the national response to COVID-19;

ii. Application of science and data to guide the targeting of areas of on-going high transmission of COVID-19 in the country;

iii. Mobilisation of all resources at State and Local Government levels to create public awareness on COVID 19 and improve compliance with non-pharmaceutical interventions within communities;

iv. Sustenance of key non-pharmaceutical interventions that would apply nationwide and include:

a) Ban of gatherings of more than 20 people outside of a workplace;

b) Relaxation of restriction on places of Worship based on guidelines issued by the PTF and Protocols agreed by State Governments

c) Managed access to markets and locations of economic activity to limit the risk of transmission;

d) Ban on inter-state travels except for movement of agricultural produce, petroleum products, manufactured goods and essential services;

e) Mandatory use of non-medical face masks in public places;

f) Mandatory provision of handwashing facilities/sanitisers in all public places;

g) Extensive temperature checks in public places;

h) Maintaining 2 metres between people in public places;

i) Strengthening infection prevention and control at healthcare facilities;

j) Isolation of vulnerable populations (elderly and those with underlying health conditions)

k) Massive information and education campaigns.

v. Deepening of collaborative efforts with the community leaders, civil society, faith-based organisations, traditional institutions, etc;

vi. Continuous mobilisation of State governments to take up greater role in the implementation of the guidelines and advisories provided by the PTF;

vii. Continued provision of support by the NCDC to States through guidelines to shape decision-making in responding to high burden LGAs and Wards; and

viii. Easing the total lockdown of Kano State and introduction of Phase One of the Eased Lockdown.

Remarks by The Chairman, PTF on Covid-19 At The National Briefing Of Monday, June 1, 2020

PROTOCOLS

I welcome you all to the National Briefing for Monday 1st June, 2020.

2. When the PTF briefed the nation on Monday 18th May, 2020, we informed you that Mr. President had approved amongst others, the extension of phase one of the eased lockdown so that the observed gaps in the expected impact of the National Response could be closed and the gains consolidated. That action was based on the Guidelines developed and published by the PTF, working in collaboration with sub-national entities and key stakeholders.

3.The PTF also announced the extension of the lockdown of Kano State due to the need to address the peculiar circumstances that had arisen in that state.

4.During the two weeks extension, the PTF evaluated the COVID-19 situation in the country after which it submitted a Report to Mr. President as promised last week.

5.Ladies and gentlemen, despite partnerships, injection of resources and collaboration, the COVID-19 has continued to ravage the world in very many ways. It has also continued to spread and claim casualties. The global figures recorded as at Sunday, 31st May 2020 had risen to 6,407,451 confirmed cases, 2,862,610 recoveries and 377,834 fatalities across 216 countries and territories of the world.

6.The global epicenter of the pandemic has shifted from China to Europe, then to the United States of America and is now showing significant impact in South and Central America. This shift to South America with virtually similar climatic and demographic similarities with Africa, is a cause for concern when we consider the fact that earlier projections pointed to Africa as likely to be the worst hit continent, by the pandemic.

7.In Africa, confirmed cases stood at 146,568 while 64,080 cases had recovered and 4,222 fatalities were recorded as at Sunday, 31st may, 2020.

8.Reports have shown that there are lesser number of confirmed cases than expected across the African Continent. Countries have continued to record significant daily increases, capable of overwhelming our fragile healthcare systems if there is a consistent surge. This calls for caution, planning, multi-sectoral investment in institutional and human capacity, scientific and methodical approach as well as citizens commitment to the control of the pandemic.

9.As at midnight on the same day (Sunday, 31st May, 2020), Nigeria had recorded 10,162 confirmed cases of COVID-19, 3,007 discharges and 287 deaths. Significantly, Nigeria recorded 553 new cases on Saturday, 30th May, 2020 representing the highest single day numbers, ever.

10. Nigeria’s national response has continued to rely on science, data, experiences drawn from other nations and consideration of our peculiar environment to address the pandemic, while observing the guidelines issued by the World Health Organization (WHO).

11. While reviewing the impact of previous measures and the first phase of the eased lockdown, the PTF prioritised the following aims:

i. Ensuring a cohesive, exhaustive and data-driven policy to guide the opening up of the country;

ii. Putting in place procedures for the effective review of the country’s reopening policy;

iii. Mitigating against our health system being overwhelmed by a series of sustained outbreaks;

iv. Maximising the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions on COVID-19 control; and

v. Minimising the negative and social effects of the non-pharmaceutical interventions.

12.Similarly, the PTF adopted the following guiding principles to ensure that the response is robust and holistic:

i. Utilisation of data systems to assess risk, measure response performance, and evaluate progress;

ii. Application of non-pharmaceutical interventions in a measured and step-wise manner (e.g. using 2-week intervals to identify adverse effects);

iii. Narrowing the focus of non-pharmaceutical interventions with significant side effects (e.g. business closures, stay at home orders) to targeted areas for effectiveness and impact;

iv. Development of systems for the protection of vulnerable groups;

v. Prioritisation of risk communication and community engagement with emphasis on community involvement and ownership; and

vi. Encouraging States to fund activities (contact tracing, sample and data collection, etc.) that support the control of COVID-

19 thereby generating data to aid decision-making.

13.The PTF, in reaching its conclusions and making recommendations for next steps of the response, remained mindful of the following important socio-economic issues:

i. impact of COVID-19 on the global economy and all national economies;

ii. pain and hardship brought upon the poor & vulnerable, the aged, the sick, people living with disabilities, and particularly those whose survival depend on their daily earnings;

iii. impact of the closure of schools and tertiary institutions;

iv. avoidable death of citizens occasioned by the decline in the level of availability of medical services to citizens due to closure of medical facilities, rejection of patients by hospitals and fear of stigmatization; and

v. the level of infection of frontline workers and its implications for the national response.

14.From the economic development, security and social cohesiveness perspectives, the PTF also worked closely with:

i. The Economic Sustainability Committee under the Chairmanship of the Vice President;

ii. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) promoting the development of stimulus packages for different categories of SMEs, farmers, businesses, etc;

iii. The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development working to enlarge the database of some of the Social Intervention Programmes (SIPs) for inclusiveness;

iv. The Federal Ministry of Labour & Employment charged with the mandate to organize the Special Pubic Works Intervention capable of employing one thousand youths from each of the 774 LGAs in the country;

v. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development on the mobilization and technical support to farmers for the planting season as well as unrestricted movement of food and other agricultural produce;

vi. The Federal Ministry of Education for the development of guidelines and protocols for safe reopening of our schools;

vii. The Security Agencies for the enforcement and protection of lives and property;

viii. Professional bodies, Civil Society Organisations, the Labour Sector, trade associations, religious and traditional leaders;

ix. The Nigeria Governors Forum; and

x. The National Assembly.

15.The PTF has taken into consideration the advisory of the World Health Organization on the need to do the following when planning to ease a lockdown:

i. balance lives and livelihoods,

ii. follow a slow and phased approach that is data driven;

iii. apply Public health measures in every community and at every phase of the response (i.e. surveillance, case finding, testing, isolation, tracing and quarantining contacts.); and

iv. evaluating the economic and social aspects of the society, which will play a role in progressing or hindering any efforts for the response.

16.It is the consideration of the PTF that while Nigeria’s confirmed cases have increased in the period under review, the following factors should inspire confidence in the response:

i. Majority of the confirmed cases are in a handful of local governments in the country;

ii. 20 out of the 774 LGAs nationwide account for 60% of the cases (see map below);

iii. There is an opportunity to concentrate efforts in these high-burden areas;

iv. Federal agencies and State Governments are working together on the promotion and utilisation of guidelines on case management (e.g. homecare for relatively well patients);

v. There is increased capacity to detect, test and trace those infected with the virus;

vi. 29 testing laboratories have been activated, with Bauchi being the latest addition while the test count nationwide has exceeded 60,000; and

vii. A shift in focus to community engagement and enhanced risk communication.

NOTE: NCDC to list the names of the 20 LGAs

17.Notwithstanding the foregoing, the PTF considers it necessary to restate to Nigerians that:

i. Nigeria has not reached the peak of confirmed cases;

ii. The battle against COVID-19 is a long term one;

iii. Nigeria should pursue a strategy that will aid the sustainable control of the spread of the disease;

iv. Risk communications and community engagement should remain top priority; and

v. Precision approach to containment and management should be adopted

18.Based on the overall assessment, including available data on the public health considerations and resultant economic impacts, the PTF is of the opinion that Nigeria is ready to allow SCIENCE and DATA determine her cautious advancement into the second phase of the eased lockdown for a period of four (4) weeks.

19. After considering all factors mentioned above, the PTF submitted its recommendations and the PRESIDENT has approved the following for implementation over the next four weeks spanning 2nd – 29th June, 2020, subject to review-:

i. Cautious advance into the Second Phase of the national response to COVID-19;

ii. Application of science and data to guide the targeting of areas of on-going high transmission of COVID-19 in the country;

iii. Mobilisation of all resources at State and Local Government levels to create public awareness on COVID 19 and improve compliance with non-pharmaceutical interventions within communities;

iv. Sustenance of key non-pharmaceutical interventions that would apply nationwide and include:

a) Ban of gatherings of more than 20 people outside of a workplace;

b) Relaxation of restriction on places of Worship based on guidelines issued by the PTF and Protocols agreed by State Governments

c) Managed access to markets and locations of economic activity to limit the risk of transmission;

d) Ban on inter-state travels except for movement of agricultural produce, petroleum products, manufactured goods and essential services;

e) Mandatory use of non-medical face masks in public places;

f) Mandatory provision of handwashing facilities/sanitisers in all public places;

g) Extensive temperature checks in public places;

h) Maintaining 2 metres between people in public places;

i) Strengthening infection prevention and control at healthcare facilities;

j) Isolation of vulnerable populations (elderly and those with underlying health conditions)

k) Massive information and education campaigns.

v. Deepening of collaborative efforts with the community leaders, civil society, faith-based organisations, traditional institutions, etc;

vi. Continuous mobilisation of State governments to take up greater role in the implementation of the guidelines and advisories provided by the PTF;

vii. Continued provision of support by the NCDC to States through guidelines to shape decision-making in responding to high burden LGAs and Wards; and

viii. Easing the total lockdown of Kano State and introduction of Phase One of the Eased Lockdown.

20.Ladies and gentlemen, this is still a fight for life and our advancement to phase two does not mean that COVID-19 has ended. It is still potent and highly wasteful of human lives. I implore all Nigerians and corporate citizens to take responsibility and play the expected role.

21. I will now invite the Hon Minister of Health to provide you with details. The DG – NCDC will elaborate on the technical aspects of the next steps while the National Coordinator will expatiate on the guidelines before it is published.

22. I thank you for listening.

June 1, 2020
COVID-19: Yahaya Bello bows to pressure, declares total lockdown

Governor Yahaya Bello has bowed to pressure and ordered 14 days absolute lockdown of Kabba-Bunu Local Government Area (LGA) of Kogi State effective from 12 midnight June 2nd.

The lockdown is following the controversial confirmation of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in Kogi by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

Governor Bello in a State broadcast on Monday, 1st of June, 2020 ordered the lockdown in response to this development.

He maintained that there is no COVID-19 in the State and that the two cases reported for the State are being disputed. He said the locked down the LGA was to ensure the State take precautionary measures.

“During the lockdown, there shall be no house to house movement within the local government area.

“Street movement is completely prohibited within the local government area for the period

“Palliative should be distributed house to house within the local government area.

“Contact tracing should be carried out house to house to identify those who might have made contact with the alleged Kogi COVID-19 index persons; the Chief Imam of Kabba and his Son within the local government area.

“The Kogi State incident management team should continue to thoroughly carry out the contact tracing.

“The contact tracing and enforcement of the lock down order shall be fully covered by the mainstream media.

“Health workers who might have made contact with the alleged index case should proceed on self-isolation.

“All security agencies in the state are to enforce total compliance with the lock down order.

“All citizens and residents of the state should continue to adhere to the NCDC guideline as the state still remain COVID-19 free,” the Governor directed.

June 1, 2020
COVID-19: Pope Francis urges caution as countries ease lockdown

Pope Francis said on Sunday that people are more important than the economy, as countries decide how quickly to reopen from the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) lockdowns.

Francis made his comments, departing from a prepared script, at the first noon address from his window overlooking St. Peter’s Square in three months as Italy’s lockdown drew to an end.

“Healing people, not saving money to help the economy is important, healing people, who are more important than the economy. We people are temples of the Holy Spirit, the economy is not,” Francis said.

Many governments are deciding whether to reopen their economies to save jobs and living standards, or whether to maintain lockdowns until they are sure the virus is fully under control.

The Pope’s words were met with applause by hundreds of people in the square, many of whom wore masks and kept several meters from each other.

The square was reopened to the public last Monday. Normally tens of thousands attend on a Sunday.

The last time the Pope delivered his message and blessing from the window was March 1, before Italy, where more than 33,000 people have died from the virus, imposed a lockdown.

The last restrictions will be lifted on Wednesday.

Francis led the crowd in silent prayer for medical workers, who lost their lives by helping others.

He said he hoped the world would come out of the crisis more united, rather than divided.

“People do not come out of a crisis like this the same as before. We will come out either better or worse than before.

“Let’s have the courage to emerge better than before in order to build the post-crisis period of the pandemic positively,” he said.

May 31, 2020
TNG report (Covid-19): Bad times for s3x workers, strippers, nightclub owners in Abuja, Lagos

In Nigeria, direct sex work has largely crippled as a result of physical distancing and lockdown measures put in place by the government to halt transmission of the deadly Coronavirus.

Brothels, alongside restaurants, bars and nightclubs which all used to be the hub of bubbly activities have become ghost towns. Though the federal government has eased lockdown in Lagos and Abuja (Lagos, Kano and the FCT has highest share of Covid-19 infections in the country) , giving some businesses the leeway to reopen, for brothels and other nocturnal ventures, business still remains sanctionable due to Covid-19 curfew.

From the very beginning, one of the biggest organisations representing Nigeria’s sex workers sounded the ‘lockdown’ alarm to its members.

Coordinator of the Nigeria Sex Workers Association, Amaka Enemo in a statement she released after President Muhammadu Buhari issued a lockdown order said though sex workers offer “essential services,” they will remain indoors because their services involve “substantial bodily contact.”

“Sex workers also offer essential services. However, there is no way sex workers can do their work without body contact. So, we are staying at home to watch what happens. The government has announced a lockdown and as law-abiding citizens, we will not flout the law.” She noted

Brothels, other red-light districts turn ghost towns in Abuja, Lagos

In Lagos, most of the areas with large concentration of prostitution and sex-oriented businesses, such as lounges, strip clubs were shutdown and deserted.

From Allen Avenue in Ikeja to First Avenue, Festac; Adeniran Ogunsanya in Surulere and several of such places in Lekki – there seems to be heavy compliance and as such Lagos now looks bleak at night without the magical lights and radiance these pleasure spots brings to the state.

Specifically, First Avenue in Festac which is characterised by loud musics and seem to be one of the most preferred sex market in the area was empty.

A resident who identifies himself Obina, said there has been some level of relief in the area as a result of the curfew in Lagos.

This is one of the very few times I have enjoyed this area, before now, this place doesn’t have the outlook of a residential area, with lots of brothels, clubs in this area you should know that the pleasure biz gives an invitation to crime.

“Most of the clients that patronise them cause a lot of nuisance. Loud music and noises troubling our sleep, imaging the impression all these also leaves on some of us who are raising kids in this area; sometimes you wake up to see condoms, pants and bras littering the environment, which are all evidences of some sex trade that occurred on roadsides, let alone other criminal activities like robbery, drug sales etc.” He noted

In Abuja, Ademola Adetokunbo, a more upscale street of restaurants, bars and clubs where ready-to-pick ladies gather on a long stretch waiting for their clients is today empty of such promises. Same is the story in Wuse Zone 4 and some parts of Utako, where you find plenty love gardens thronged with, sex workers, couples and revelers.

At the moment, padlocked gates, gardens with no chair settings and official notices in red, pasted on front doors are common sights that indicate closure of some of the finest lounges, pleasure centres you can find in Abuja.

Survival mechanism: Prostitutes, strippers go virtual, embrace home delivery

But all hope is not lost for some sex workers! Coming to the realisation that the lockdown has temporarily chased them out of business, with most clients staying away from public gatherings in fear of physical contact, some prostitutes have decided to migrate online via several dating apps, where they recruit new clients.

Networking Apps now offer these league of sex workers a new market. Here, they trade online, by sending nudes to their pleasure-starved clients and some even go as far as taking the delivery of pleasure to the doorstep of customers who are willing enough to dare Covid-19 in getting a pleasurable moment – all these can then be paid for through e-wallets and transfers.

Some of these major apps used for the new sex trade include, Badoo, Tinder, Twoo among others.

Kenneth Ejiafor who runs a wine bar in Apo resettlement area in Abuja revealed how most of the sex workers are keeping their heads above water.

His words: “It is really a bad time for us, the government has paused our livelihood. Ever since this whole lockdown started, I have lost money.

Asked about the whereabouts of the ladies who used to flood the area before the lockdown, he replied “Most of the girls who come here to entice our customers have all travelled to different destinations. I am not even sure business will return to normal if they lift the ban.

“Apart from the fact that I have lost some of my major customers, even most of the ladies who come here to make our business a lively one are now getting used to a new life, they are meeting clients on their phones, most of them are on Tinder and Badoo, they see men who invite them to their homes.” Says Ejiafor

May 30, 2020
COVID-19: Wike decries disrespect for safety rules, threatens to impose fresh lockdown

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State on Friday warned that a fresh coronavirus lockdown was imminent in the state if residents continued to disobey the safety rules of physical distancing and wearing of face masks.

The governor, in a broadcast to mark the first year of his second term in office, decried the spread of the virus despite the strict measures he put in place to contain it.

He said 12 people have so far been killed in the state by the virus.

He called for the cooperation of all residents with his administration in building a stable and vibrant economy.

“As at today, we’ve painfully lost 12 persons, and probably more, to the death pangs of the coronavirus,” he said:

Continuning, he said: “For us, every life matters and every life lost is a monumental tragedy, not only to the immediate families, but also to all of humanity.

“Regrettably, we have observed that the advisories, directives and regulations on social distancing and the compulsory wearing of face masks are being ignored at alarming proportions in the state, much to our collective discomfort and peril.

“So many people are moving about on our streets and into other public places without face masks.

“We have sighted businesses, including banks and shopping centres attending to customers without face masks or maintaining physical distancing.

“We have also seen people on our streets buying and selling without face masks or observing social distancing in clear disregard of the ban on clustered trading activities and unauthorized social gatherings.

“These are all very irresponsible and risky behaviours in the face of the invisible and ravaging pandemic and the enormous threat it poses to public health and the safety of human lives.”

Soliciting the support of residents, he said: “As a government, we welcome constructive criticisms devoid of politics and mischief, because they serve to make us better performers.

“This is a time for governance, not politics, and we welcome everyone on board to create an environment that promotes balanced economic growth, thriving private investments, boundless opportunity and a State we can truly call our pride and heritage.

“For us, nothing matters more than Rivers State, our people, our interests, our treasures, our enormous resources and assets, our accomplishments and our greatness.”

May 30, 2020
Covid-19: Hard choices – Francis Ewherido

By Francis Ewherido

The Corona Virus (COVID-19) is one visitor that is not in a hurry to depart. It has taken up residence on mother earth at least for now. The lockdown that was imposed when the virus hit our shores is being gradually lifted. Another lockdown is unlikely and not even sensible because it will not bring an end to COVID-19; only a cure would. So we have to learn to live with it.

Learning to live with COVID-19 leaves us with some tough choices. The brief period we were on lockdown has opened the eyes of many people to how quickly cash reserves can be depleted if you are not adding to it. So, many of us must go out there to earn a living. That increases our exposure to the virus. We need to observe all safety precautions: using of face masks, regular washing of hands, sanitising of hands and social distancing, among others. But there is still no absolute guarantee that those who take these precautions will not be infected. The precautions only reduce the probability of getting infected. Also, it has become very obvious that we are a very social and communal people, so social distancing is among the least observed precautions. This poses a clear and present danger.

COVID-19 has changed the way people live and earn a living. Very soon, people who do not adapt are going to ask , “Who Moved My Cheese.” I tried to set up a meeting with a potential client. The way he reacted on the other side of the phone, you would think he was jumping to avoid a snake bite. People who did not like virtual meetings have to adjust.

It is the way of the future for now. Some of these virtual meeting platforms are comparatively new, but they are not as technical as people assume. The problem is more of adaptation. As John Maynard Keyne rightly observed, “the difficulty lies not in new ideas, but escaping the old ones, which penetrate every corner of our minds.”

But embracing new ideas we must. There is a book, one of my brothers gave to me about five years. It is one of many books I had not gotten around to read. But I added it among the books to read during the lockdown. It is called Strategic Learning and the author is Willie Pietersen, a South African-born Professor at Columbia University in America. Though it was published 10 years ago, it is actually tailored for a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous) environment like the COVID-19’s. The book seeks to clarify VUCA environments and how businesses should respond to it. But the contents can be applied to all facets of life. After all, business is about people (customers, employees, shareholders, government regulators, etc).

The book deals with building adaptive organisations (you can substitute people for organisation). It talks about the “ingrained ability to make sense of the changing environment, and rapidly translate insights into action. This involves learning, strategy creation, focus, alignment and execution
It explains leadership, for which there are trailer-loads of literature, in a few sentences: intrapersonal leadership (leadership of self), strategic leadership (leadership of an organisation) and interpersonal leadership (leadership of others). All these congregate to integrated leadership, which is what leadership (family, business, club, church, etc.) is all about. Defect in one affects the sum total.

Today, we are confronted with information from many sources competing for our limited time and attention, but Pietersen rightly declares that, “no longer does the world belong to the ones with the most information, but to those with the highest ability to make sense of it; no longer to those who know more, but to those who understand better.” For me, no statement has put it more succinctly than Pietersen’s that we have left information age for the conceptual age. Information is good, making sense of the information is better.

Before I leave, Pietersen, I want to deal with strategy, a word which we use all the time and apply willy-nilly. No matter how much resources we have, it remains scarce in relative to our needs and wants, and we are in a competitive world! So in applying our limited resources, we have to make choices to ensure we trump competition. These choices ought not to be haphazard, but be measured; that is what strategy is about. We are talking business here, but it is the same scenario, we face in other aspects of our lives. At times like this with increasing competition and limited resources, our choices need to be measured.

Right now, the body language of the government tends towards reopening the economy and normalising the situation. Soon travel ban will be lifted. Are you going to sit in one place for fear of COVID-19, or you will take necessary precautions and go about your business and your life? Schools will also be opened at some point. Children are children and not adults. It is difficult to expect the highest standard of precaution that COVID-19 demands from children. So are you going to continue keeping your children at home until COVID-19 is gone or you will gamble by letting them resume school? Whatever choice you make has implications: if they go to school, they risk being exposed to and getting infected with Corona Virus. If you keep them at home, for how long? The virus might be around for two years, as some experts are predicting. A child kept way from school for too long can develop complications in character and learning.

I believe children should go back when the authorities consider it safe enough, but armed with all the safety precautions, both physical and mental. The safety measures must become a habit. After prayers in my house every day, we usually exchange peace and love of Christ in form of a handshake. Immediately after, my children will head for the sanitizer. I usually scream that “who in this house has Corona Virus that’s going to infect you?” No more shouting, I will even encourage them now so that sanitising will be ingrained before schools resume.

Keeping safe (face masks, sanitisers, soap, etc.) is expensive. Some people will not be able to provide the safety items for their children when schools resume. So what happens? The government should provide students in public schools with these items, while the private schools should come to some kind of agreement with parents of their pupils.
For me, life has fully resumed. Life must go on. Adaptation is what we need. Take all necessary precautions and this includes boosting your immune system. In those days, when tax collectors came to villages to collect taxes, the men ran into the bush. So my people came up with a proverb that “osho r’osaruyovwi sa djevw’omoshare vwie-e” (the fear of paying taxes cannot scare me from having male children” – these male children would grow up to be confronted with taxes) The same way the fear of COVID-19 cannot stop us from living our lives. For those of us who believe in God, may God look upon our imperfect efforts, perfect them and crown them with success. Amen.

May 30, 2020
South Africa opens economy June under key regulations

South Africa will allow most economic sectors including mining and manufacturing to fully resume operations from next month as the country further eases coronavirus lockdown regulations, the government said on Thursday.

Africa’s most industrialised economy has been largely shut since a nationwide lockdown began in late March. South Africa has reported 25,937 cases of the new coronavirus, with 552 deaths.

“This is the most significant reopening of the economy since the lockdown began…It opens up all of our core productive sectors from manufacturing to mining,” said Trade and Industry Minister, Ebrahim Patel.

Some high-risk businesses such as hotels, lodges, hair salons and sit-down facilities at restaurants will remain closed.

The government has permitted the sales of alcohol for home consumption from June. Limited domestic air travel has also been permitted, a government statement said, adding that further details would follow.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Sunday that the country would ease restrictions to level three of its five-level lockdown plan from June.

“In opening our economy, we must maintain a firm eye on our goal of flattening the curve and minimising the rates of infections and deaths,” said Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.

The mining industry, which has recorded 320 cases of coronavirus so far, is among the industries that will return to full capacity.

Mines across South Africa, the world’s biggest producer of platinum and chrome and a leading producer of gold and diamonds, were forced to shut temporarily when the lockdown began.

Open-cast mines have been allowed to work at full capacity since May 1, while deep-level mines – where social distancing is more difficult to achieve – were restricted to 50 per cent.

May 29, 2020
875 people commit suicide during lockdown

A total of 875 people have committed suicide during the lockdown period in Nepal.

The country has been under lockdown, against the novel coronavirus disease, since March 24.

According to the data compiled by the Nepal Police, the suicide cases, across the country, increased by 16 per cent in the first month of the lockdown.

A total of 482 suicide cases were filed during mid-March to mid-April in police stations across the country.

The data suggests that the number during the lockdown is considerably high as 38 people committed suicide in the Kathmandu valley alone.

The highest number, 742 died by hanging themselves followed by 114 people who committed suicide by consuming poison.

The deceased had used burning, stabbing, drowning, jumping from heights as major ways of attempting suicides during the review period.

“The suicide cases have been recorded as of May 16,’’ said Niraj Bahadur Shahi, spokesperson of Nepal Police.

He added that the Police were updating the data of suicide cases after that.

Many psychiatrists have linked the deaths with mental health of the people, who have been forced to stay indoor during lockdown.

May 27, 2020
Kaduna Govt extends lockdown by 2 weeks, offers 3-day window period

The Kaduna State Government has extended its Quarantine Orders meant to tame the spread of Covid-19 by two weeks, with adjustments to permit the easing of restrictions in certain sectors. Deputy Governor of the state Hadiza Balarabe made the announcement in a state broadcast on Twitter.

According to Mrs Balarabe, “….The revised regulations are intended to preserve the state’s ability to protect citizens, empower citizens to lead the fight against Covid-19 and make necessary adjustments to permit the safe resumption of the pursuit of livelihoods in more sectors….”

The Governor Nasir Elrufai further disclosed on his Twitter account that;

“….KDSG salutes the people of Kaduna State who have endured many inconveniences as they complied with the Quarantine Orders over the last 60 days. These sacrifices have not been in vain. Without them, infection rates will be much higher….”

He added that;

“….Schools, places of worship & markets will remain closed under the adjusted orders. KDSG officials will be engaging with religious leaders, transport unions, traditional institutions, market unions, school proprietors and other stakeholders on the circumstances for safe reopening”

The Twit also states that “….Restaurants will be allowed to open strictly to offer takeaway services. However, bars, sporting venues and event centres remain closed as are hotels that have not been specifically licensed as essential service providers during this period.”

“The public sector will also use the two-week extension to prepare for limited resumption. Heads of Ministries, Department and Agencies will ensure that government offices are reconfigured for physical distancing and that handwashing facilities are available.”

“This window also allows vulcanisers, welders, mechanics and providers of similar services to operate on the same lockdown-free days.”

“From Monday, 1st June 2020, the revised regulations will come into effect. They give citizens a three-day window every week to shop for food and other essentials. Until otherwise stated, the lockdown-free days will be Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from next week.”

“The adjusted orders expand the ability of citizens to resume the pursuit of livelihoods, in permitted sectors subject to compliance with health and safety protocols. Private sector firms that meet these requirements will also operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays”

May 26, 2020
BREAKING: Rivers State cancels lockdown till further notice

The Rivers State Government has cancelled till further notice the lockdown emplaced to check the spread of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the State.

TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the State Governor, Nyesom Wike made this known on Tuesday during a statewide broadcast.

The Governor stated that in continuation of the struggle against the spread of the disease, the lockdown was to resume in Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas of the State from Wednesday 27th May 2020.

“However, after a comprehensive review of the measures we have taken and further considerations placed before us by well-meaning members of the public, the State Security Council has decided to cancel the proposed lockdown on Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas of the State.

“In essence, no part of Rivers State is or will be under any lockdown from this moment and this will be so, except where it becomes necessary again,” Wike stated.

However, the Governor in his address during the broadcast, stressed that some other measures against the spread of the virus would continually be implemented.

Read the Governor’s address below:

My Dear Good People of Rivers State,

2. In the last two months we have implemented several calculated measures in response to the outbreak of the coronavirus in our State.

3. Some of these measures were severe, but necessary, including the total lockdown of Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas, which are, without doubt, the social and economic never-centres of our State.

4. Arguably, these measures and your sacrifices have enabled us so far, to contain and limit the spread of this virus to 4 out of the 23 local government areas of the State.

5. Also, the pattern of infection remains predictable, as there is yet, any evidence of serious community transmission, although this cannot be ruled out with the increasing number of positive cases; the majority of which, are connected with contacts with oil company workers who imported the disease into the State.

6. And so, while we should all still be concerned, since our set goals in the battle against the virus are not yet achieved, there is no need to fear.

7. We are totally in control, working hard every day and believing that the worst will soon be behind us.

8. In continuation of our struggle against the spread of covid-19 in our State, we had planned to resume the total lockdown on Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas from Wednesday 27th May 2020.

9. However, after a comprehensive review of the measures we have taken and further considerations placed before us by well-meaning members of the public, the State Security Council has decided to cancel the proposed lockdown on Obio/Akpor and Port Harcourt Local Government Areas of the State.

10. In essence, no part of Rivers State is or will be under any lockdown from this moment and this will be so, except where it becomes necessary again.

11. As we all know, the regular washing of hands, religious wearing of face masks, keeping effective physical and social distance of between 1.5 to 2 meters from other people, completely avoiding touching of faces with unwashed hands, and cleaning of surfaces we regularly touch have been identified as some of the most effective measures against contracting this virus in the absence of vaccine.

12. These are not difficult measures that should warrant any excuses for negligence, non or ineffective compliance.

13. Consequently, we wish to re-enforce our decision on the continuous implementation of the following measures throughout the State to mitigate the spread of this virus:

(i) All land borders, including all exit and entry routes into Rivers State shall remain closed to human and vehicular traffic, except those on essential services and duly exempted.

(ii) All residents must wear face masks or covering into any public space, including our roads, banks, shopping malls, shops, hotels and in any lawful social gathering.

(iii) The State task force and the security agencies have been directed to arrest and summarily prosecute any person seen on our streets or any other public place without wearing face masks.

(iv) All banks, motor parks, hotels, restaurants, shops, business centres, shopping malls, and offices must maintain social distancing and enforce the wearing of face masks in their premises.

(v) The State task force and security agencies have been directed to seal up, prosecute and confiscate to the State any bank, shopping mall, restaurant, shop, business place or office that fails to enforce social distancing and the wearing of face masks in its premises.

(vi) In addition to providing daily guest list to the Police and the Department of State Security, hoteliers must not host large gatherings, including parties and receptions. Defaulting hotels will be sealed-up and the owners summarily prosecuted.

(vii) All bars, beer palours, or drinking joints, night-clubs, viewing centres, open markets and cinemas shall remain closed until further notice;

(viii) Oil mill market in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area shall remain closed until further notice;

(ix) Oginigba Slaughter market in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area shall similarly remain closed until further notice.

(x) Mbiama market in Ahoada West Local Government Area shall also remain closed until further notice;

(xi) All public weddings, burials and large social gatherings shall remain banned.

(xii) Churches and other religious gatherings should continue to comply with the existing advisory on social distancing, initiate temperature checks and enforce the wearing of face masks during their activities;

(xiii) Dealers in Ikoku Spare Parts markets are warned for the last time to stop converting public roads to mechanic workshops or risk final closure.

(xiv) Similarly, no mechanic workshop should be found along Ikwerre road as Government will prosecute defaulters and confiscate any vehicle being repaired on any public road.

(xv) Private and commercial vehicles, including tricycles must continue to limit their passengers to the number earlier established and enforce the wearing of face masks by all passengers. Defaulters will be prosecuted and their vehicles confiscated by the Task force.

14. We have taken these measures at in the best interest of our State, to protect our lives, businesses, and jobs as well as, to prevent our troubled economy from suffering irreparable damage.

15. This also means that, residents now bear much greater responsibility to stop and prevent our State from suffering the exponential and potentially devasting spread of the virus being experienced across the country.

16. As I have stated earlier, there is nothing to worry about the increasing number of positive cases as such is not unexpected in the light of the intensification of contact- tracing and increased testing of suspected cases.

17. As 60% of the positive cases recorded in the State are connected with oil company workers, we have initiated a meeting with all the major oil companies to work out strategies on how we can stop this trend and stop the risk this category of workers now pose to the State.

18. Furthermore, Government is investigating the rumored or suspected outbreak of the virus at Bonny Island.

19. Our team of medical personnel led by the Commissioner for Health has visited Bonny Island and collected samples from suspected cases for analysis and immediate intervention should the results indicate the outbreak of the virus in the area.

20. Finally, our intelligence has intercepted a clandestine plan by some criminal elements led by Bobosky to cause security breaches in the State by instigating violence and burning down churches in Khana, Eleme, Gokana, Tai and Oyigbo Local Government Areas of the State.

21. We want to assure all residents that the State Government is fully ready and prepared to deal with the situation and continue to guarantee the protection of lives and property throughout the State.

22. We implore all residents to be vigilant and report all suspicious characters and movements in their neighbourhoods to security agencies.

23. As a further security measure, we have decided to impose a nighttime curfew on all the Local Government Areas of the State from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. starting from the 2nd of June 2020 until further notice.

24. Leaders and vigilante groups in our communities are to work with the security agencies to enforce the curfew in their localities and arrest and prosecute anyone that violates the curfew order.

25. As a government, we are doing our best and will continue to spare no efforts to protect our State and advance the best interest of our people. Nothing can scare, deter or derail us from this path.

26. And so, we urge our people to stop the fake news on social media; stop the baseless bickering, the needless blame game, and the seditious rumours that does no good to our image or provide any solution to the common challenges that we face.

27. Rather, we should all come together, put our fate in our own hands and work for the common good of all, whether as individuals, families or as communities.

28. This is the only way to spare our State, our people and our economy from the devastating effects of the corona pandemic at this time.

29. We cannot stop appreciating our health workers who have continued to put their lives at risk in the forefront of this battle so the rest of us can be safe and secure. We cannot thank you enough. Only God can reward you in his fulness.

30. We call on all residents to continue to support the Government and pray for God’s gracious intervention in the affairs of the State.

31. Thank you and God bless you all.

May 26, 2020