May
31: Record 553 new cases as Nigeria inches towards 10,000 mark
The NCDC recorded a record 553 cases on Saturday bringing the
total case count to 9,855. Number of discharged patients stands at 2,856 with
273 deaths so far.
Lagos
State has a tally of 4,755 whiles Kano and Abuja complete the top three slots
with 951 and 616 cases respectively. Cross River State remains the sole
uninfected state till date.
268
Nigerians arrived in Abuja yesterday, the latest batch of evacuees returning
through the intervention of government. The Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, shared a video of the arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe
Airport.
All
evacuees will be proceeding on compulsory 14-day quarantine as mandated by the NCDC and Health Ministry, NIDCOM further noted. Previous evacuations include from U.S,
U.K, UAE and Saudi Arabia.
On
May 25, NIDCOM also facilitated
the return of 50 trafficked girls and Nigerians stranded in Lebanon. A number
of African countries including Ethiopia have undertaken
similar evacuations.
May
30: 9,302 cases, third most impacted in Africa
Nigeria
became Africa’s third most impacted country on Friday after crossing the 9,000
mark and toppling Algeria from the slot. Only South Africa and Egypt have more
cases than Nigeria.
The NCDC confirmed the second highest daily toll of 387 cases
which took the national tally to 9,302 cases. The figure means between May 26
and May 29, the country recorded a total of 1,234 COVID-19 cases.
The
387 new cases recorded in 13 states and the federal capital territory (FCT). The highest daily toll was recorded on May 27, with 389 new COVID-19 cases. 35 states and the FCT have recorded cases with the sole uninfected being Cross
River State.
The
number of discharged persons increased from 2,592 to 2,697, while two deaths
were recorded, increasing the figure of fatalities from 259 to 261.
May
29: record low new cases, WHO trials, Trump’s
ventilators
A
record low new cases was recorded by the NCDC late Thursday as cases reached 8,915. The 182 new
cases was a low compared to between 200 – 300+ cases recorded over the past
week.
President
Buhari on Thursday also joined a United Nations virtual meeting which discussed
financing of development in the post COVID-19 era. He was joined by a number of fellow presidents and
government leaders.
Nigeria
will also partake in the UN’s solidarity trials which is seeking a vaccine for
the virus. A number of African countries including South Africa are taking
part. The other clinical trial underway is of chloroquine.
At
the daily press briefing of the presidential task force on COVID-19, information minister Lai Mohammed gave updates on
claims by US president Donald Trump that he had ordered ventilators to be sent
to Nigeria.
The
first time Trump raised the issue was in April. Last week, during a working
visit in Michigan, the US president stressed that he had sent 1,000 ventilators
to the West African country. But the minister said if the consignment arrived,
it would be announced publicly.
Trump
spoke to Buhari on 28 April during which exchange the promise was reportedly
made. He said also spoken to South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa and Kenya’s Uhuru
Kenyatta over US support for combating the pandemic in the respective
countries.
Total
confirmed cases = 8,915 (new cases = 182)
Total recoveries = 2,592
Total deaths = 259
Active cases = 6,064
Figures valid as of close of day
May 28, 2020
May
28: 8,788 cases, Kogi records case
Kogi
State became the last but one state to record infections. The NCDC reported two cases from there on Wednesday evening.
It means Cross River State remains the sole uninfected state as of May 27.
The NCDC also stressed the need for state governments to take
charge of managing the pandemic in their jurisdictions. The outfit said it
currently had 100,000 reagents available for testing.
At
the daily briefing, Minister of State at the Education Ministry also touched on
reopening of schools. “Until we can guarantee safety of children from COVID-19, our schools cannot resume. We will provide guidelines
for the safe re-opening of schools,” Emeka Nwajiuba said.
Minister
of state at the Health Ministry also said the ministry was developing sector
specific advisories for the reopening of various sectors of the economy.
Minister Olurunnimbe Mamora also said training on case management was ongoing
for health workers nationwide.
Total
confirmed cases = 8,733 (new cases = 389)
Total recoveries = 2,501
Total deaths = 254
Active cases = 5,978
Figures valid as of close of day
May 27, 2020
May
27: 8,344 cases, chloroquine treatment to continue
The
director of Nigeria’s National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control
(Nafdac), Mojisola Adeyeye, has disclosed that clinical trails for virus
treatment using chloroquine will continue despite a recent move by the WHO to suspend a similar
trial over safety concerns.
She
told a local broadcaster that even though Nafdac did not dispute WHO’s conclusions, the decision to continue with the trial was in
order to generate their own data.
“I
do not know the data that they’re looking at, whether it’s from the Caucasian
population or from the African population. If the data they’re looking at and
the reason for suspending the trials is from Caucasian population, then it may
be justified.
“But
I don’t think we have data from the African population yet, because our genetic
make up is different,” she added. Lagos State had announced last week that
trials were to start with the anti-malarial drug.
A
number of African countries have also been using the drug to treat COVID-19. Algeria has also said it will continue using it for
treatment. Cameroon’s health minister recently affirmed that chloroquine continued to
be the preferred drug for treatment.
Medical
journal, The Lancet reported on Friday May 22 that patients getting
hydroxychloroquine were dying at higher rates than other coronavirus patients.
The WHO has 3,500 patients from 17 countries enrolled in what it
calls the Solidarity Trial. This is an effort overseen by the WHO to find new treatments for COVID-19.
Total
confirmed cases = 8,344 (new cases = 276)
Total recoveries = 2,385
Total deaths = 249
Active cases = 5,710
Figures valid as of close of day
May 26, 2020
May
26: 8000+ cases, Africa’s 4th most impacted
Cases
in Nigeria breached the 8,000 mark on Monday evening when the NCDC announced 229 new cases. The latest tally of 8,068
cases means that Nigeria is currently fourth most impacted on the continent.
It
comes behind, South Africa, Egypt and Morocco. The country has consistently
recorded 100 plus new cases for the last over one month.
Lagos
continues to be the most impacted state whiles Kano is marching towards the
1,000 mark. Two states have yet to record cases, Cross River and Kogi.
Total
confirmed cases = 8,068 (new cases = 229)
Total recoveries = 2,311
Total deaths = 233
Active cases = 5,524
Figures valid as of close of day
May 25, 2020
May
25: 7,839 cases, Buhari on global impact, food sufficiency
President
Buhari has stressed the global impact of COVID-19 describing it as a leveler between the developed and developing
world. He noted the fewer deaths that Africa was recording as
against figures from other continents.
Speaking
at the presidential villa where he observed the post-Ramadan Eid prayers,
Buhari also expressed hope that local food production could be rapidly scaled
up to cater for needs of Nigerians.
He
commended the Minister of Health and asked all citizens to obey all laid down
protocols to the later in the interest of public safety. The first lady Aisha
Buhari also reiterated the call to obey health instructions while condoling
with families of those lost and wishing the ill speedy recovery.
“You
can see that COVID-19 has reduced us,
when I say us; both the developed and the developing countries to the same
level. In fact we have less casualties than they have. So it is a very
frightening development.
“I
advice Nigerians to be very careful and to take the advice from the Ministry of
Health. The Minister of health has been doing very well, speaking and educating
people, so Nigerians we should be very careful.
“I
hope the raining season will be bountiful, we will get a lot of food, I wish
the farmers will go and till the land so that we can produce what we eat.
Especially so that we don’t have to import, we don’t have any budget to import
food; so we must produce what we are going to eat.”
Total
confirmed cases = 7,839 (new cases = 313)
Total recoveries = 2,263
Total deaths = 226
Active cases = 5,350
Figures valid as of close of day
May 24, 2020
May
24: 7,526 cases, no death recorded in 24-hours
No
virus-related death recorded in a day for the first time in the month of May
2020, according to records released close of day Saturday by the Nigeria Centre
for Disease Control (NCDC).
But
265 new cases across 12 states and the federal capital territory (FCT) took the national tally to 7,526 cases. Lagos recorded the
highest tally with 131 cases, with Oyo and Edo completing the top three slots
with 34 and 28 cases respectively.
The
number of recoveries increased from 2,007 to 2,174, with the active cases as at
Sunday morning pegged at 5,131.
As
Nigeria settles into the second phase of the eased lockdown declared by the
federal government, the NCDC has issued a
modified set of guidelines for businesses as part of efforts to contain the
spread of COVID-19 in workplaces.
In
the document released in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and entitled
“Guidelines for Employers and Businesses in Nigeria,” the agency listed five
points under the general guidelines for work premises as follows:
“Wash
hands or use an alcohol-based sanitiser as soon as they enter office premises.
Ensure hands are washed
hands after using the washroom, before eating and regularly throughout the work
day, ensuring colleagues follow this sdvice too.
“Encourage
employees to cover their nose and mouth with tissue when coughing or sneezing,
followed by washing of hands. Alternatively, sneezing or coughing into their
bent elbow if no tissue is available. Used tissues should immediately be
disposed of in a covered bin, and not left lying around on any public surfaces.
“Ensure
provision of covered bins in office and business premises.
“Office
and business premises should be cleaned and disinfected daily, especially
frequently touched surfaces like tables, door handles, countertops, computers,
light and air conditioner switches which should be cleaned frequently during
the day.
“Keep
all offices well ventilated, opening windows regularly to enable fresh air.”
Additional reporting by The Cable
News Portal
A
total of 7,526 COVID-19 cases have now been
confirmed in 34 states and the FCT.
Total confirmed cases = 7,526 (new cases = 265)
Total recoveries = 2,174
Total deaths = 221
Active cases = 5,131
May
23: 7,261 cases, Buhari’s private Eid, chloroquine warning
President
Buhari will be observing Eid under strict lockdown rules. He will conduct
prayers at home with his family and will not receive the traditional paying of
homage by government officials and well wishers, the presidency confirmed
in a statement of May 22.
“This
is in observance of the lockdown measures in the Federal Capital Territory,
Abuja, put in place “to save lives and protect people from all dangers.”
“This
is also in line with the directive of the Sultan of Sokoto and President
General of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III suspending Eid congregational prayers across the country
as well as the protocol against mass gathering issued by the presidential task
force on COVID-19,” a statement read.
In
his address at the May 21
briefing of the task force, SGF Boss Mustapha addressed the issue of chloroquine relative
to self medication: “Through the surveillance system set up by the PTF, we have received reports that Nigerians have been purchasing
Hydrxoychloroquine in large quantities.
“We
wish to reiterate that this drug has not being certified for use in treating COVID-19 in Nigeria by the relevant health and pharmaceutical
authorities. Self-medication of any kind, is fraught with the danger of increasing
risks of avoidable casualties.
“We,
therefore strongly warn against self-medication. If you are sick, please seek
medical advice and if you are confirmed positive, kindly self-isolate in an
approved facility. The COVID-19 is highly
infectious and dangerous,” he stressed.
Total
confirmed cases = 7,261 (new cases = 245)
Total recoveries = 2,007
Total deaths = 221
Active cases = 5,033
Figures valid as of close of day
May 22, 2020
May
22: 7,016 cases, Eid uproar, more evacuations expected
The
case count has passed the 7,000 mark reaching 7,016 according to stats as of
close of day May 21. Level one of eased lockdown remains in place according to
National Coordinator of the presidential COVID-19 Task Force.
Meanwhile,
the subject of easing restrictions on gatherings in some northern states took a
new dimension after the leader of Muslims – the Sultan of Sokoto – urged faithful to observe
the Eid prayers at home.
Whiles
Kano, Katsina, Bauchi and Jigawa are on record to have eased restrictions which
means people can attend public prayers whiles observing safety protocols, in
Kaduna State, the government has kept in place stay away orders.
During
the daily briefing on the
national situation, Foreign Affairs Minister Geoffrey Onyeama
announced that more evacuation plans were underway. He reiterated that so far
returnees have arrived from the UAE, UK, US and more recently Saudi Arabia in that order.
“We’re
coming to end of 14-day quarantine for first and second batches of Nigerian
evacuees. Some of them need to travel across State lines to get home. I spoke
to Inspector General of Police and he has directed ComPols in Abuja and Lagos
to give them personalised passes for travel,” he added.
Total
confirmed cases = 7,016 (new cases = 339)
Total recoveries = 1907
Total deaths = 211
Active cases = 4,898
Figures valid as of close of day
May 21, 2020
May
21: 6,677 cases, northern governors express concern
The
Northern Governors Forum, NGF, has expressed concern over
the infection rates of COVID-19 across the region.
That 54% of national tally and 70% of new infections are in the region was a
cause for concern during their virtual meeting on Wednesday.
The
issue is further exacerbated by incidents of violent and deadly crime across
some states including terrorist violence in Borno, banditry in Katsina and
other areas.
“The NGF has acknowledged and appreciated the intervention of the
federal government following their request to President Muhammadu Buhari for
the deployment of more security personnel to the region to tackle banditry,
kidnapping, insurgency, and other crimes which are threatening livelihoods and
preventing farmers from going to their farms,” chairman and Plateau State
governor Simon Lalong said.
Touching
on the issue of young boys sent across states to unregulated Islamic upbringing
centers, the governors agreed that all instances of sending such kids to home
states should be done following laid down protocols from profiling through
testing till responsible handover.
The almajiris have become a hotspot for infection after a number of
them tested positive in recent weeks. NGF also agreed to purchase of mobile testing vans to boost
testing especially in rural areas.
Meanwhile,
there is strong misgiving over decision of some states to allow congregational
prayers, principally Kano, Bauchi and Katsina. The reprieve comes with days to
the post-Ramadan Eid celebrations.
Social
media users are lambasting state governments who they insist are by their
actions endangering the lives of ordinary citizens. They cite rising cases as
enough reason to keep stay away orders in place.
Total
confirmed cases = 6,677 (new cases = 226)
Total recoveries = 1,734
Total deaths = 192
Active cases = 4,475
Figures valid as of close of day
May 19, 2020
May
20: Cases hit 6,401; state govts tasked to do more
Total
confirmed cases = 6,401 (new cases = 284)
Total recoveries = 1,840
Total deaths = 200
Active cases = 4,637
Figures valid as of close
of day May 20, 2020
State
governments are being tasked to do more in combating the COVID-19 pandemic, this is the call of Sani Aliyu, national
coordinator of the presidential task force. He was speaking at the daily press
briefing on Tuesday.
“The
response to COVID19 cannot primarily be driven at the Federal level, we need
states to take more ownership. Our responsibility is to provide guidance and
ensure adequate compliance to recommended measures across board,” he stressed.
His
view is a reiteration of President Buhari’s directive to governors during a
virtual meeting on Monday.
“In
my meeting with the Governors today, I informed them that I have directed the
Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 to work very closely with all State
Governors. To succeed in containing this pandemic we have to improve
collaboration,” Buhari said in a tweet.
May
19: Cases top 6,000; lockdown lifting risky
Total
confirmed cases = 6,175 (new cases = 216)
Total recoveries = 1,644
Total deaths = 191
Active cases = 4,340
Figures valid as of close
of day May 18, 2020
The
federal government says Nigeria is not ready for total lifting of lockdown,
hence the first level of easing will be in place for the next two weeks.
Speaking
at the daily briefing of the presidential task force, SGF Boss Mustapha said a lifting despite small gains will
amount to a risk.
“The
reality is that in spite of the modest progress made, Nigeria is not yet ready
for full opening of the economy and tough decisions have to be taken for the
good of the greater majority. Any relaxation will only portend grave danger for
our populace.
“Advisedly,
the current phase of eased restriction will be maintained for another two weeks
during which stricter enforcement and persuasion measures will be pursued,” he
stressed.
Task Force recommendations okayed
by President Buhari include:
a.
The measures, exemptions, advisories and scope of entities allowed to reopen
under phase one of the eased locked down, shall be maintained across the
federation for another two weeks effective from 12.00 midnight today (18th May,
2020 to 1st June, 2020);
b. intensifying efforts to “tell (communicate), trace (identify) and treat
(manage)” cases;
c. elevating the level of community ownership of non-pharmaceutical
interventions;
d. Maintain the existing lockdown order in Kano for an additional two weeks
e. Imposition of precision lockdown in states,or in metropolitan/high-burden LGAs, that are reporting a rapidly increasing number of cases,when
the need arises. This would be complemented with provision of palliatives &
continued re-evaluation of impact of the interventions;
f. Aggressive scale up of efforts to ensure that communities are informed,
engaged and participating in the response with enhanced public awareness in
high risk states
The
first phase of the gradual easing of the lockdown in the capital, Abuja, as
well as the commercial hub Lagos and Ogun state ended on Monday and the second
phase was scheduled to begin after assessment. Officials say the initial
loosening of restrictions will be maintained for another two weeks.
This
means airports, land borders, schools, parks and places of worship will remain
closed. Large gatherings and interstate travels remain banned. A nationwide
curfew from 20:00 to 06:00 local time still remains in force.
The
total lockdown imposed on Kano state two weeks ago following reports of
unexplained deaths also remains in place. But government offices, banks and
markets will continue to operate for limited hours.
Additional reporting from BBC
May
18 : 5,959 cases, Buhari meets Task Force
Total
confirmed cases = 5,959 (new cases = 338)
Total recoveries = 1,544
Total deaths = 182
Active cases = 4,183
Figures valid as of close
of day May 17, 2020
President
Buhari on Sunday evening met with the COVID-19 Presidential Task Force team at his residence for their
weekly briefing.
Among
those present were Boss Mustapha; Secretary to the Government of the Federation
and head of the Task Force. The Health Minister, national coordinator of the
Task Force and the NCDC boss were all in
attendance.
Nigeria’s
response is run by the Task Force which holds daily briefings in the capital
Abuja to update the nation on the status of the pandemic in Africa’s most
populous nation.
Nigeria’s current tally of 5,959 cases means
it is West Africa’s most impacted country toppling Ghana to the slot. The 338
new cases represent the highest figure in a week.
May
17 : 5,621 cases, three Dubai returnees infected
Total
confirmed cases = 5,621 (new cases = 176)
Total recoveries = 1,472
Total deaths = 176
Active cases = 3,973
Figures valid as of close
of day May 16, 2020
Three
people who recently returned from the United Arab Emirates on an evacuation
flight have tested positive for COVID-19.
Lagos
commissioner for health, Akin Abayomi, made the announcement on Sunday via his
Twitter handle. “3 of the returnees recently evacuated from Dubai have tested
positive for #COVID19 infection following #COVID19 test conducted on them,” he
said.
He
added that the infected persons have subsequently been admitted to a care
centre for appropriate treatment protocols. He stressed that Lagos state will
continue to adhere strictly to quarantine protocols and enforce necessary
precautionary measures so as to contain the spread of COVID-19.
The
three persons were part of the 256 others who arrived in Lagos from Dubai on
May 6 via a special Emirates flight. As per government measures all such
returnees are subjected to 14-day quarantine. Lagos State agreed to cater for
the set of returnees.
Others
from the United States and United Kingdom arrived in Lagos but were moved to
Abuja where they are observing paid-for quarantine. More evacuations have been
planned by the federal government.
May
16: 5,445 cases, govt on evacuees expenses
Total
confirmed cases = 5,445 (new cases = 288)
Total recoveries = 1,320
Total deaths = 171
Active cases = 3,959
Figures valid as of close
of day May 15, 2020
During
their press briefing on Friday, the presidential task force covered a wide
range of issues relative to the spread of the virus and containment efforts.
SGF Boss Mustapha
disclosed how much funds had been raised so far as federal intervention. He put
it at over 792 million naira deposited into the Treasury Singe Account from
various in-country sources.
He
further gave updates on federal interventions to help Sokoto and Borno States
with some challenges. On Kano, he reiterated that the mystery deaths had
stabilized due to cordial relations between federal and state actors.
Health
Minister Osagie Ehanire said he would be representing Nigeria at an upcoming
WHO’s Annual World Health Assembly event (May 17) which is dedicated to efforts
aimed at combating COVID-19.
Humanitarian
Affairs Minister Sadiya Umar-Farouk reiterated government’s resolve to continue
with a remodelled school feeding program where families of beneficiary pupils
are given foodstuffs.
She
disclosed that 3.1 million households were on queue to be served. Contractors
list had been submitted to EFCC for due diligence
even though they are all old agents and a number of international and local
partners are on board to monitor the roll out.
For
his part, Foreign Affairs Minister Geoffery Onyeama explained at length why
Nigerian returnees were asked to cater for their accommodation and feeding at
isolation centers.
“In
regards to why evacuees who have paid to come home, will have to pay for feeding
and accommodation: this is not by any stretch of imagination that the
government is happy to do.
“If
the resources were available, we would evacuate everybody and if our medical
infrastructure were solid and case load was much lower, we could revisit our
protocol.
“But
the fragility of our health infrastructure, the trajectory of the increasing
numbers of positive test being what they are, we have to take the greatest care
with regards to the protocols adopted.
He
stressed the importance of quarantining returnees and disclosed that talks of
using NYSC centers for the
purpose had been mooted and remained under consideration.
“We’ve
brought in upwards of 620 evacuees who have to be managed, there are human
resources needed to be present, to monitor and manage the evacuees apart from
other administrative arrangements needed to be put in place.
“So
we want to take sometime to process the ones we have at the moment before we
admit others coming back, because we don’t have the capacity at the moment.
This is a challenging situation especially because the funding resources are
not available,” he added.
May
15: 5,162 cases, Canada evacuation hits snag
Total
confirmed cases = 5,162 (new cases = 193)
Total recoveries = 1,180
Total deaths = 167
Active cases = 3,815
Figures valid as of close
of day May 14, 2020
Speaking
at the daily briefing of the presidential task force, Foreign Affairs Minister
Geoffrey Onyeama disclosed that evacuation plans from Canada had hit a glitch.
“It
is true the Canadian government denied landing rights to a Nigerian carrier
scheduled for evacuation duty, on grounds that the airline does not have a
license to undertake commercial flights to Canada.
“Our
High Commission is engaging with Canadian government on this issue. The
argument our High Commissioner is making is that this is not a regular
commercial flight, but instead an emergency evacuation flight. So negotiations
are ongoing with the Canadian government,” he further clarified.
Nigeria
has through the Ministry and diaspora commission evacuated nationals from the
United States, United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates in the past weeks.
May
14: 4,971 cases, recoveries pass 1,000
Total
confirmed cases = 4,971 (new cases = 184)
Total recoveries = 1,070
Total deaths = 164
Active cases = 3,737
Over
in north-eastern Yobe State, there are reports of mysterious deaths which
authorities say have led to 471 being buried in the past five weeks.
The
situation is similar to that of Kano State where government has ordered the NCDC to probe a spike in deaths weeks ago.
Yobe
State Commissioner for Health Muhammad Lawan Gana told the BBC that an initial investigation found most deaths were of
elderly people with pre-existing medical conditions such as hypertension and
diabetes.
Officials
say the toll is unusually high from health issues but have not linked it to the
coronavirus. They admit however that some deceased persons had shown symptoms.
National
coordinator for the presidential task force on COVID-19 last week said the Kano deaths were virus-related but
Health Minister Osagie Ehanire later said the investigations were yet to be
concluded.
May
13: 4,787 cases, Buhari names Abba Kyari’s replacement
Case
statistics at close of day May 12 stood at 4,787 with 146 new cases. The number
of discharged and deaths stood at 959 and 158 respectively. The new cases were
spread across 19 states and FCT, the top three being 57 in Lagos, 27 in Kano and 10 in Kwara.
Meanwhile,
the first virtual Federal Executive Council, FEC, meeting was held today during which Buhari named a new chief
of staff in the person of Ibrahim Gambari. He succeeds Mallam Abba Kyari, who
passed away on April 17, 2020 after contracting coronavirus.
The
new chief of staff has had a diplomatic distinguished career he was Minister of
External Affairs (1984-1985) and subsequently Ambassador / Permanent
Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations (1990-1999).
May
12: Cases hit 4641, Bauchi lockdown, Madagascar donation
Case
statistics at close of day May 11 stood at 4,641 with 242 new cases. The number
of discharged and deaths stood at 902 and 150 respectively. The new cases were
spread across 13 states and FCT, the top three being 88 in Lagos, 64 in Kano and 49 in Katsina.
Bauchi
state governor Bala Mohammed on Monday announced a 10-day lockdown on three
areas that border Kano state in a bid to contain spike in COVID-19 cases.
He
said via a tweet that the lockdown was necessary to curb rapid community
transmission that it will allow for effective contact tracing and testing.
Governor
Mohammed said movement within and out of the local government areas is
prohibited so as to allow health officials to work without interference.
SGF speaks on Madagascar donation
SGF Boss Mustapha
during the press briefing of the presidential task force disclosed details
about Madagascar’s donation of herbal cure to Nigeria via Guinea-Bissau.
“Madagascar
has made allocations to various countries, and sent them to Guinea Bissau.
We‘re supposed to make arrangements to freight Nigeria’s allocation from Guinea
Bissau; it‘ll be subjected to the standard validation process for
pharmaceuticals.
“Mr
President has given instructions for the airlifting of Nigeria’s allocation of
the Madagascar Covid-19 Syrup; also given clear instructions that it must be
subjected to the standard validation process for pharmaceuticals; there will be
no exceptions for this.
“Nigeria
has only one National Response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Where there are
differing Strategies is in the implementation of non-pharmaceutical
interventions. But as far as the (Health) Response is concerned, there is only
one National Response,” he stressed.
May
11: 4,399 cases, Wike demolishes hotel, Kaduna busts escapees
Nigeria
case statistics stood at 4,399 with 248 new cases. The number of discharged and
deaths stood at 778 and 143 respectively. The new cases were spread across 16
states and FCT, the top three being
81 in Lagos, 35 in Jigawa and 26 in Kano and Borno.
Over
in Rivers State, the demolition of two hotels by the state government for
flouting COVID-19 rules have
generated a heated backlash on Governor Nyesom Wike.
According
to the Rivers government, the hotels were demolished for flouting government’s
directive on the closure of hotels as part of efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19.
The
Cable news portal, reports that a human rights lawyer slammed the move as
despotic and accused the Governor of arrogating onto himself powers he did not
have.
“It
is absolutely pathetic that under the Quarantine Act upon which the governor
purportedly issued the executive order, there is no provision at all for the
demolition of properties,” Tope Akinyode said in a statement.
Over
in Kaduna State, security agencies apprehended two people who fled their homes
after test results showed that they had contracted the virus.
Governor
El-Rufai announced the “escape” decrying its potential impact on residents of
the state but hours later, he confirmed that they had been found and since
transferred to an isolation and treatment center.
Nigeria
case statistics stood at 4,151 with 239 new cases. The number of discharged and
deaths stood at 745 and 128 respectively. The new cases were spread across 15
states, the top three being 97 in Lagos, 44 in Bauchi and 29 in Kano.
On
Sunday morning, the national diaspora commission reported that 160 Nigerians
were enroute to Abuja from the United States. The team have since arrived
“160
Nigerians stranded in the United State of America boarding in US Enroute to
Abuja where they will be quarantined for compulsory 14 days as approved by NCDC and the Ministry of Health,” the commission posted on
Twitter.
They
become the third batch to be repatriated. The first was from the United Arab
Emirates last week before another batch flew in from the United Kingdom.
Government has stressed that arrangements are being made to help other stranded
Nigerians return home.
Meanwhile Lagos State governor has threatened that a new
lockdown could be imposed if people continue to flout rules put in place.
Speaking
during the first briefing since the five-week lockdown was eased, Governor
Babajide Sanwo-Olu said: “Another round of interminable lockdown of movement
and business activities would be introduced if there is no improvement in the
adherence to the guidelines initiated to break the cycle of transmission of the
dreaded virus.”
“As
a Government elected to uphold security of its citizens, which include health
security, we will not hesitate to review the terms of the easing of lockdown if
we do not see an improvement in adherence to our public health guidelines in
the next couple of days,” he said.
“We
will be forced to take a painful decision of bringing the entire system under
lockdown if we continue to see evidence that Lagosians are determined to flout
the rules.”
May
9: 3,912 cases, UK returnees, stretched bed spaces
The
case statistics as of close of day May 8 stood at 3,912 cases with 117 deaths
and 679 recoveries, according to the NCDC. The figure represents 386 new cases.
Nigeria
has also been toppled by Ghana as West Africa’s most impacted. Their cases shot
to 4,012 on Friday night with over 900 new cases.
Meanwhile
over 260 citizens returned from the United Kingdom on Friday on a repatriation
flight. They arrived in Lagos and were subsequently flown to Abuja for
mandatory quarantine, government confirmed.
At
Friday’s briefing of the presidential task force on COVID-19, the leader SGF Boss Mustapha revealed that states were running out of bed
space and that federal plans were afoot to help remedy the situation.
“We’ve
received Reports from States, which suggests that treatment centres are running
out of bedspaces… PTF shall begin to
examine our peculiar circumstances, modify strategies for care management,
& consider viable alternatives, where necessary,” the SGF said.
Minister
of Foreign Affairs, on the issue of Nigerians in France seeking to fly to
Cotonou, and enter Nigeria by land said: We’ve successfully brought in about
100 Nigerians from Benin & Togo, so we already have tried-and-tested methodology
and procedures for bringing Nigerians across the border.
NDCD head also
disclosed that the country plans to roll out 2 million tests in the next few
months and that government and international partners had already started
putting in place procurement measures.
May
8: 3,526 cases, more repatriation flights expected
381
new cases were recorded by close of day May 7 bringing the case count to 3,526,
the NCDC announced. Lagos,
Kano and Jigawa recording the top three highest figures with 183, 55 and 44 cases
respectively.
Nigeria
thus extends its lead in the sub-region whiles consolidating its spot in the
most impacted nations category across Africa.
Meanwhile,
Foreign Minister Geoffrey Onyeama has stressed that more repatriations were
expected to be undertaken in the coming days after the first from the UAE arrived on Tuesday.
A
flight from the UK is expected to arrive today whiles another from the US will
land in Lagos on Saturday. The Minister stressed that the process had been made
easier thanks to the instrumentality of Lagos State as ‘hosts’ and especially
its governor.
With
respect to repatriation from India, he said negotiations are ongoing with a
number of airlines, including Nigerian airlines. Once the Airline(s) are
selected; interested Nigerians will be asked to pay directly to the Airlines.
For
his part, Health Minister Osagie Ehanire said federal government continues to
replenish stock of Personal Protective Equipment for frontline workers across
the country.
On
the returnees, he reiterated that: “All Nigerians returning from abroad will
undergo mandatory supervised quarantine in selected hotels for 14 days, before
they will be allowed to go home. They will also be tested; positive cases will
be sent to Isolation Centers.”
For
his part, National Coordinator for the presidential task force on COVID-19, Sani Aliyu asked for increased compliance to relaxed
measures: “Please respect and follow all the guidelines we have instituted. If
we continue to see violations of these guidelines, we will be pushed to review
and possibly change them.
“Our
modelling shows that the positive effects of FULL compliance with the Eased lockdown will be very
similar to the effect of a full lockdown. This is why we need everyone to fully
comply with all the guidelines issued,” he added.
May
7: 3,145 cases, Niger State patients protest
Nigeria’s
case statistics as at close of day May 6 stood at 3,145 cases with 532
recoveries and 103 deaths. The latest figure indicates 195 new cases with the
top three tallies from Lagos, Kano and Zamfara with 82, 30 and 19 cases
respectively.
Meanwhile
in the capital of Niger State, Minna; patients at a government treatment
facility threatened to discharge themselves citing poor treatment. It is the
second state to record such an incident in days coming on the heels of the
Gombe State report.
Over
in Ekiti State, the government says it will prosecute a man who sneaked into
the state despite a lockdown. The violator’s dad refused him entry into the
home ordering him to go to the authorities to under self-isolation.
The
video of the father – son interaction went viral following which the dad was
granted audience by governor Kayode Fayemi. He was subsequently named a COVID-19 ambassador by the governor.
May
6: Ban on flights extended, repatriation starts, cases hit 3,000 mark
The
presidential task force on COVID-19 announced a
month-long extension on flight ban during its daily briefing on Wednesday. The
decision was made on behalf of the federal government under whose auspices it
is acting.
Meanwhile
the first batch of repatriation involving nationals took place today with an
Emirates flight that returned 265 Nigerians to Abuja. The flight had to return
to Dubai after take off after a woman who gave birth in board developed
complications. She was taken back to Dubai and the plane changed before the
trip was made.
According
to Head of Nigeria’s diaspora commission Dabiri-Erewa, the Nigerian ambassador
in Dubai, and staff of the embassy are in touch with the mother and child who
are in good condition.
They
will now all go into 14 days of mandatory, supervised isolation in
government-selected hotels. This will apply to the thousands of Nigerians
expected to return home in the weeks and months ahead. Flights from the UK and
US are expected coming Friday and Saturday respectively.
Almost
3,000 cases, Gombe patients protest ‘poor care’
By
close of day May 5, there were 2950 confirmed cases of CIOVID-19 in Nigeria, 481 discharged and 98 deaths the NCDC reported.
Of
the 148 new cases, the breakdown were as follows: 43-Lago, 32-Kano, 14-Zamfara,
10-FCT, 9-Katsina, 7-Taraba,
6-Borno, 6-Ogun, 5-Oyo, 3-Edo, 3-Kaduna, 3-Bauchi, 2-Adamawa, 2-Gombe,
1-Plateau, 1-Sokoto and 1-Kebbi.
The
news spotlight was in Gombe on Tuesday where persons in isolation protested
against poor health care. They blocked a road as part of their protests as
locals stood by looking.
An
official explained that they were asymptomatic despite being infected hence
required lesser medical attention, he also dismissed the poor feeding claims.
Despite
having been persuaded to return to the center, authorities are urging persons
who might have come into contact with any of them to self-isolate. Gombe is the
fourth most infected state with 98 cases only behind Lagos, Kano, FCT and Borno who occupy the top four slots in that order.
May
5: Cases hit 2,802, Buhari waives medical import tax
By
close of day, May 4; case count had reached 2,802 according to the NCDC. The discharged was at 417 with 93 deaths. The figure
represented 245 new cases.
A
breakdown of which was as follows: Lagos 37-Katsina 32-Jigawa 23-Kano 19-FCT 18-Borno 10-Edo 9-Bauchi 6-Adamawa 5-Oyo 5-Ogun 1-Ekiti
1-Osun 1-Benue 1-Niger 1-Zamfara.
Local
media reports that President Buhari has also waived import duty on all medical
supplies. The blanket waiver on equipment and supplies is part of government’s
“efforts to strengthen health infrastructure in response to the COVID-19 pndemic.”
Before
now, importers had only been granted tax reliefs as announced by the Finance
Minister who weeks back said government was liaising with stakeholders in the
area.
This
is the latest on a list of fiscal policies by the federal government to cushion
the industry from the economic impact of the pandemic.
May
4: Relaxation of lockdown starts, Kano deaths explained
The
easing of a federal lockdown on Lagos, capital Abuja and Ogun states. The
government says the reopening of the economy will span over a six-week period.
The
next two weeks will determine whether or not the process will be continued or
reversed in Africa’s most populous nation and its biggest economy.
Some
key guidelines issued with respect to public places include: Mandatory wearing
of face masks, adherence to temperature checks, strict handwashing and use of
sanitizers, observance of physical distancing and ban on public gathering.
Passenger
flights remain prohibited as are interstate travel, governors last month agreed
on the latter. Neighbourhood markets are to open thrice a week between 8 am and
3 pm.
Banks
and financial institutions, category of government offices and corporate sector
will also operate between 8 am and 2 pm. Schools, places of worship, clubs,
bars and gardens are to remain closed.
Meanwhile
mysterious deaths in Kano state have been linked to COVID-19 according to the Presidential task Force coordinating
the pandemic response. Sani Gwarzo, national coordinator of the task force
confirmed the link in an interview with journalists in Kano.
“We
have five cogent reasons to say that the mass death recorded in Kano is
associated with coronavirus.”
He
listed a number of them as the age of the deceased persons, concentration of
the people in one place and “test we have constructed which have element of COVID-19,” Sani Gwarzo, national coordinator of the Task Force
told journalists in Kano.
He
added that the final report would be ready in the next one week or few days,
“it is necessary for people of Kano to wake up from their slumber that this is
a serious issue.
“We
need to know what is happening we are successful in identifying what the
problems are and secondly we are happy on the level of cooperation the private
sector and other stake holders. Many people have come out to support the state
we cannot expand our investigation until we are certain,” he stressed.
With
170 new cases as of close of day May 3, Nigeria’s tally has reached 2,558 with
400 discharged and 87 deaths. Lagos has 1,107 cases with Kano’s 342 and Abuja’s
278 completing the top three. The closest to 100 mark is Gombe in fourth spot
with 96 cases.
May
3: Ganduje relaxes Buhari’s lockdown, 2,388 cases so far
Kano
State governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has announced the relaxing of a federal
lockdown imposed by President Muhammadu Buhari.
As
of April 27, when Buhari imposed imposed the total lockdown on the state, the
principal reasons were to better understand a spate of “strange deaths” and
containment of the rise in COVID-19 cases.
But
on Saturday, Ganduje announced that there would be free movement in the state
between 10am and 4pm on Mondays and Thursdays. He said all the major markets in
the state would remain closed, except Ya’nkaba and Ya’nlemo markets where
vegetables and fruits are sold.
It
is not known whether the decision was in consultation with Abuja but the announcement
has drawn the ire of social media users who are accusing the governor of being
reckless and endangering the lives of people in the state and beyond.
Kano
recorded one of its lowest figures by close of day May 2 with two cases out of
the 220 recorded. The state remains second most impacted with 313 cases behind
Lagos’ 10,68 and 266 in FCT.
The
May 2 tallies stood at 2,388 confirmed cases, 385 discharged and 85 deaths.
Kogi State remains the sole uninfected across the federation. Meanwhiles, plans
are afoot for a strict implementation of a partial lockdown as announced by
Buhari days ago.
“I
have decided to put in place gradual easing of lockdown measures,” Buhari id in
a much-anticipated television address. “We will implement a curfew between 8
p.m. and 6 a.m.,” President Buhari said.
“Inter-state
borders will remain closed except for basic necessities (…). We will impose the
wearing of masks in public places, as well as social distancing measures,” he
added.
These
new measures were not to apply to Kano, due to the “mysterious deaths” that are
still being autopsied, and rise in cases.
May
2: Nigeria tops tallies in West Africa, 5th on continent
Nigeria
with tally of 2170 is the new leader in West Africa overtaking Ghana whose
cases count stands at 2074. Nigeria also the second most impacted in
sub-Saharan Africa and fifth overall on the continent.
As
of close of day May 1, the NCDC reported 238 new
cases, one of the highest daily tallies. The bul of the cases coming from Kano
State. Kano’s 92 along with Abuja’s 36 and 30 from Lagos completed the top
three infected states over a 24-hour period.
The
number discharged rose by 32 now at 351 with 10 more deaths bringing the tally
to 68. Lagos passed the 1000 infection mark whiles Kano’s stood at 311. Abuja,
Gombe and Borno completed the top 5 with 214, 92 and 69 cases respectively.
Africa’s most impacted
nations include:
South
Africa = 5,951
Egypt = 5,895
Morocco = 4,569
Algeria = 4,154
Nigeria = 2,170
May
1: How Nigeria recorded about 1000 cases in a week
Nigeria
as of April 23 was nearing the 1,000 confirmed cases point. Africa’s most
populous nation’s tally at the time stood at 981. Roll on the next seven days
and the country has seen almost a 1,000 new cases.
As
of April 30, 2020; the NCDC record showed 1,932
cases with 58 deaths and 319 discharged patients. The current tally indicates a
951 increase since April 23. A breakdown of the increases over the period is as
follows:
April
24 = 1,095
April
25 = 1,182
April
26 = 1,273
April
27 = 1,337
April
28 = 1,532
April
29 = 1,728
April
30 = 1,932
Kogi
State being the only unaffected state so far. Kano State has meanwhile risen to
second with 219 cases behind Lagos’ 976 cases. Nigeria is currently second most
impacted in West Africa only second to Ghana, where over 2,000 cases have been
recorded.
President
Muhammadu Buhari announced Monday evening a gradual easing of confinement
measures from 4 May, but will impose a night curfew and the wearing of masks.
Special coverage of COVID-19 in Nigeria May 2020
[African News]
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