The Federal Government said by next week , Nigeria would be testing 1 , 500 people for COVID- 19 every day .
The Director – General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control , Chikwe Ihekweazu , who disclosed this at a press conference in Abuja , said the country, as of last week, was conducting 500 tests per day .
Ihekweazu said this as some states , including Oyo and Edo, on Tuesday complained that they were facing a shortage of testing kits for the virus .
On its part, the Bauchi State Government appealed to the Federal Government to set up a COVID- 19 testing facility in the state .
The President , Major General Muhammadu Buhari ( retd . ), on Sunday , as part of efforts to increase contact tracing and treat Nigerians , who might have contracted the virus , ordered lockdown of the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos and Ogun states .
Although Nigeria recorded the first coronavirus case on February 27 , the figure shot up to 131 on Monday night amidst complaints that the country was not testing many people with suspected cases of the virus .
Prominent Nigerians , who have been diagnosed with the disease include the Chief of Staff to the President , Abba Kyari; the Bauchi State Governor , Bala Mohammed ; his Kaduna State counterpart , Nasir El – Rufai and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State Ihekweazu , at the press conference , said the NCDC would only test specific persons whose case definition fitted into that of the centre .
He stated , “ As of last week, we were testing about 500 per day , or we had the capacity to test 500 per day . By the end of this week, we will be at 1 , 000 per day , and next week we plan to take it to 1 , 500 per day , just by increasing the number of labs .
“ We are managing and improving the supply sides , but at the same time , we need to reduce the demand side to those that really need it. So , in Lagos , there is a big problem with a lot of anxiety and everybody wants to get tested . We need you to help us give this message to people. We have a case definition for COVID- 19 ; either you have respiratory symptoms plus travel ; plus contact with a confirmed case or respiratory symptoms of unknown explanation .
“ This is an important message because the more people force themselves into being tested the less we have the capacity to test those that really need it. These people that really need it will be transmitting it into the community and more people will get infected .
“ So , there is a consequence, not just for you as an individual , but for the rest of society . So , we need to get to those we need to get to . And by testing those that don ’ t need it, we block the system from those that need it, and the outbreak continues . So , there is a price to pay for testing all these asymptomatic individuals .
Saudi Arabia’ s hajj minister asked Muslims to temporarily defer preparations for the annual pilgrimage amid uncertainty over the coronavirus pandemic .
Earlier this month , Saudi Arabia suspended the year- round “ umrah ” pilgrimage over fears of the new coronavirus spreading to Islam ’ s holiest cities, an unprecedented move that raised uncertainty over the annual hajj .
“ Saudi Arabia is fully ready to serve pilgrims and umrah seekers , ” hajj minister Mohammad Benten told the state – run Al – Ekhbariya television .
“ But under the current circumstances , as we are talking about the global pandemic … the kingdom is keen to protect the health of Muslims and citizens and so we have asked our brother Muslims in all countries to wait before doing (hajj ) contracts until the situation is clear . ”
Saudi authorities are yet to announce whether they will proceed with this year ’ s hajj , scheduled for the end of July.
The pilgrimage – which last year attracted 2 . 5 million people – is a key revenue earner for the kingdom. But it could be a major source of contagion as it packs pilgrims closely in religious sites .
Earlier this month , Saudi Arabia suspended prayers inside all its mosques except the two holiest sites in Islam as it increased efforts to contain the new coronavirus.
The announcements risk riling fringe Muslim hardliners , for whom religion trumps health considerations .
Saudi Arabia is scrambling to limit the spread of the disease at home . The kingdom’ s health ministry has reported 1 , 563 coronavirus infections and 10 deaths from the illness so far .
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission says there will be a 3 -month delay in the implementation of the proposed electricity tariff in the country.
The regulator had earlier announced that there would be an upward review of electricity tariff across the country effective April 1 .
But Minister of Power , Sale Mamman , in a statement in Abuja , said that the suspension in the implementation of the new tariff was one of the measures taken by the regime of the President , Major General Muhammadu Buhari ( retd . ) to support Nigerians in this difficult time when COVID- 19 is disrupting the nation’ s economy .
Tyson Fury says he will never be tired of beating Deontay Wilder in anticipation of his third fight against the American heavyweight, even though his potential all- British showdown with Anthony Joshua is on hold for now .
Following a controversial draw in December 2018 , Fury overpowered Wilder in Las Vegas in February , beating him in seven rounds .
Wilder has activated the rematch clause in his contract , delaying the possibility of a hugely anticipated unification bout between WBC champion Fury and Anthony Joshua , who holds the WBA , IBF and WBO titles .
It is now hoped Fury and Wilder will meet for a third bout later this year after the original date of July 18 was scrapped because of the coronavirus pandemic .
“ I ’ ll be obliged to give him a bit more, ” Fury told the Good Morning Britain television programme . “ You never tire of beating Deontay Wilder . It’ s one of those things you take great pride in doing .
“ I really did what I said I was going to do and not many people , in boxing especially , say something and then do exactly what they were going to do . ”
Fury , unbeaten as a professional , added : “ So I was quite proud of the performance and I ’ m really looking forward to getting all this coronavirus out of the way and the world getting back on track and getting back to my job . ”
With regular training not possible due to a lockdown in Britain , Fury has been working out alongside wife Paris and his five children in fitness sessions broadcast on Instagram Live .
“ It helps me stay in shape and helps many , many people out there who join in from all over the world , ” said the 31 – year- old.
“ I ’ m very, very grateful that I can have an input on helping people with their fitness and mental health problems during these lockdown times .
“ I ’ ve got Paris here and the kids . Everyone goes nuts in the front room while we ’ re working out . ”
The National Coordinator , Nigeria Sex Workers Association, Amaka Enemo , says sex workers in the country have been forced to suspend activities, especially in Lagos and Abuja due to the lockdown caused by the COVID- 19 pandemic .
Enemo told newsmen that although sex workers offer “ essential services” they will remain indoors because their services involve “ substantial bodily contact” .
She said the association had been able to sensitise its members to the dangers of COVID- 19 .
The national coordinator said , “ There is sensitisation across the country including within our network . Sex workers also offer essential services . However , there is no way sex workers can do their work without body contact . So , they 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 . If the government says sit at home, we will all obey because nobody wants to die .
“ We fall under essential services but ours is peculiar because of the nature of body contact . You cannot compare it to doctors because the doctors are not making full body contact with people the way we do . ”
When asked whether only ‘ street operations ’ had been suspended and if private home services could continue, Enemo said the decision of the association was that “ all activities be put on hold ” .
The national coordinator said , “The lockdown affects street workers and those at home equally . For the sake of their health , they should all stay at home and avoid bodily contact . So , we stay at home but we are sharing materials that will keep them safe . ”
When asked to evaluate the financial impact of the lockdown on sex workers , Enemo said it was the same effect artisans were facing .
She , however , said it was better to protect one ’ s health .
Enemo added , “ Of course it is going to affect them financially but sex workers are not the only ones that make money on a daily basis. It is the same for commercial drivers . Of course , they might have their savings but that does not mean it will not affect them. It is affecting everybody so sex workers are not exempted . ”
The national coordinator said her association would accept donations from the government or private sector as this would reduce the impact of the lockdown on members.
“ If they are willing to help , we will accept it. It is lockdown . Our business is affected, ” Enemo added .
The Lagos State Commissioner for Health , Prof . Akin Abayomi , said he does not know the location of the Chief of Staff to the President , Mr Abba Kyari, in Lagos .
Kyari, who tested positive for coronavirus last week, in a statement on Sunday , said he would be in Lagos on Monday for “ further tests and observations” .
Abayomi said , “I ’ m not aware of the Chief of Staff ’ s itinerary , so I don ’ t know where he is, we chat on
WhatsApp but I cannot tell where he is from our chat.
“ We are exchanging information but I haven ’ t asked him for his location. He seems well and happy and we are exchanging information on strategic issues . It has been a long time we talked about his health , I presume he has made a full recovery. ”
The Commissioner said most of the patients at the Infectious Disease Hospital , Yaba were suffering mild to moderate symptoms of the illness.
“ Most of our patients are experiencing a very mild to moderate degree of illness; in fact , we don ’ t have anybody that requires ventilation at the moment which is a symptom of what we will describe as severe disease .
“ If we are to put some percentages on the 66 cases, about 33 of them are showing mild symptoms , the remaining 33 are showing moderate disease symptoms just characterised by severe fever , feeling weak , some coughing, headaches and body pains . It is not extending to affect the organs such that we have lung or kidney failure , ” Abayomi said .
The Federal Government has announced that more Nigerians who are victims of the Novel Coronavirus disease COVID-19 would soon be released once all their results turn out negative.
Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire disclosed this during a media interface by the Presidential Taskforce PTF on Covid-19.
Ehanire said; “As of today we have recorded 135 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Nigeria. The majority of persons are from overseas and others were traced as their close contacts.
“The incidence of new cases into Nigeria as a result of the closure of the airports and the land borders will reduce the number of importations so that we shall be dealing largely with those which have already been brought into the country and are being transmitted from person. to person.
“Five persons have been discharged and sent home. Nigeria has unfortunately recorded two fatalities and both of them had underlying illnesses.
“Persons with fever and cough or shortness of breath and other symptoms in the areas of high Covid-19 prevalence in Nigeria can be tested for the disease. More laboratories will join the network for molecular diagnosis for Covid-19 in Kaduna, Kano, Maiduguri, Port Harcourt and Sokoto.
“I want to emphasize that testing is at no cost to anyone in the public and only results from any of the accredited molecular laboratories are recognised.
“There are some (patients) that are due to be discharged. Quite a few are due but the protocol is that they must test negative twice within 24 or 48 hours and if they do not test negative twice they are held back. Treatment normally takes a month or between three to five weeks depending on how your body responds”, he added.
Reviewing restriction guidelines
Chairman of the PTF and Secretary to the Government of the Federation SGF, Mr Boss Mustapha said the government was reviewing its guidelines in respect of the 14-day lockdown of the nation’s capital, Abuja as well as Lagos and Ogun states.
The SGF said; “Today, we have just begun the first day of restrictions in Lagos, Ogun and Abuja. We are observing developments around the country as we receive reports.
“The PTF has however met with the Security Chiefs to smoothen the rough edges of implementation and within the first day of implementation and an appropriate restriction protocol and exemption guidelines will be issued.
“Initial feedback is that there are violations of restrictions by the citizens that we desire to protect. Let me emphasize that the decision to lockdown is to prevent community spread which may be dangerous to manage. It can only be done by Nigerians and for Nigerians”, he declared.
Newspaper Vendors exempted
Mustapha reminded security agencies that the media including newspaper vendors are exempted from the restrictions, saying the president’s speech was clear on that. “I used to have a friend who was the Chairman of the Newspaper vendors association amd they have their identities. Provided they can establish that that is their trade, and of course a vendor cannot operate from his house, he has to be on the streets to distribute the papers, I believe Paragraph 41 of Mr President’s speech adequately covers that”.
Epidemiological Update
Speaking on the epidemiological situation in the country, Director General of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control NCDC, Dr Chikwe Iheakwazu said the country was still at a point where it feels it can identify all those affected hence the decision to lockdown Abuja and two other states.
“This is a tedious process, we are following up about 5000 contacts across the country. The focus of all our efforts is to increase and improve on our testing capability. As at last week, we were testing about 500 per day and by the end of this week, we will be testing a thousand per day. By next week, we plan to take it to 1, 500 just by increasing the number of laboratories and also increase the capacity of the laboratories that we have”, he said.
Also speaking, Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika said Nigerians should not be worried when they see certain flights come into the country, explaining that there are exemptions on flight restriction.
He said; “certain flights that are considered to be essential will continue to happen. So Nigerians will continue to see aircrafts flying but those aircraft are qualified. Aircraft in distress or technical stop are allowed; medical evacuation and essential cargo, as well as certain diplomatic flights and humanitarian items, are allowed. Security flights are allowed. And we have set out protocols for each of these flights”
On her part, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Sadiya Farouk said the school feeding programme would continue as earlier announced by President Muhammadu Buhari.
“Relief materials are being deployed in the affected states. The food items would be deployed from the general grain reserves across the country and it would take at least 24hours to reach the target audience.
“On school feeding, it is the directive of the president that we continue with it. We are exploring different options either by way of food packs or providing them the food items. We will do a web conferencing with state governors to agree on modalities”, she said.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Enyeama said the ministry is in touch with all its embassies across the world to evacuate Nigerians whenever the need arises.
He said; “We are in touch with our embassies in all the countries around the world. So if there are those who want to be evacuated it has to be done within the framework of the embassies. As of now, we have not had any request from any of our embassies indicating any significant number of Nigerians wanging to be evacuated.l but certainly of we receive any communication from our embassies, we will take that into consideration”, he added.
A photograph of the President , Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd . ) , teaching Nigerians how to wash their hands in order to avoid contracting or spreading coronavirus has been released by the State House, Abuja .
In the photograph, he is seen washing his hands in a wash hand basin right in front of a mirror .
The location is most certainly his office or residence at the Presidential Villa .
It carries the caption , “ President Buhari shows the way . Wash your hands , as many times as you can . ”
Nigerian National petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has urged Nigerians not to engage in panic buying of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), as the country has adequate stock of the products to last for over 60-days.
Mr Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director of the corporation, gave the assurance while briefing newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.
Kyari assured that the NNPC had the support of all stakeholders to ensure adequate supply of petroleum products in the country.
He said: “There is absolutely no scarcity anywhere; our supply is robust, we have fuel that will last this country even for 60-days if assuming we do not import any.
“Of course people because of the pandemic, stay at home, may try to conserve fuel, there is no need to do this.
“Maintain your normal life, we have secured all assurances that trucks will be moving freely across the country throughout this period of difficulty and supply will be sustained’’.
He appealed to Nigerians no to flood fuel stations as there was no need for that.
Commenting on National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) order to petrol tankers drivers to vacate the depots, Kyari said that the corporation would continue to engage them.
“No restrictions; as we speak now loading is going on, trucks are moving around, no action like that will come to fruition,’’ he added.
The Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, has warned the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, not to go ahead with the planned increase in electricity tariff from April 1, 2020.
The organised labour said it would be an act of insensitivity on the part of the electricity regulatory body to go ahead now and increase tariff when the entire world including Nigeria was grappling with the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic that has traumatized mankind.
A statement issued by the President of NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba in Abuja, stated that the concern of many nations was on how to contain the ravaging pandemic, adding that many countries have given out palliative to cushion the economic hardship occasioned by Coronavirus.
Ayuba said that Nigerians and the global community have a real enemy to deal with which is the COVID-19, adding that it would be totally unwise to make enemies out of ourselves and exacerbate the high voltage social tension that currently cascades all over the country.
The statement read, “There are very strong concerns that the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) might go ahead with the planned increase in electricity tariff from tomorrow, April 1, 2020.
” The concerns in the public domain are not helped by reports that the NERC has not issued any reversal order to Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) on the planned electricity tariff increase in power utility.
“We wish to state that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) seriously frowns at, completely condemns and totally rejects any plan to inflict further pain on Nigerians at this very trying period of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic through an increase in electricity tariff.
“All the leaders of our affiliate unions were unanimous in rejecting the planned increase in electricity tariff during our recent interactive session with NERC in Kano.
” We wish to state that any increase in electricity tariff would only convey a deafening expression of insensitivity to the plight of the Nigerian people who are currently dealing with the social scare, income hemorrhage, economic squeeze and mortal dread of COVID-19.”
He noted that what was expected now was the provision of stimulus including distribution of free food and free Healthcare among others to ameliorate the sufferings of the citizenry.
According to him, ” At a time like this, other countries of the world battling the COVID-19 pandemic are expanding social welfare and putting in place economic stimulus including distribution of free foods, free healthcare services, sanitary kits, utility bills reduction, debt moratorium, and cash support just to insulate their citizens from the harsh realities of the war against the novel Coronavirus. Our own case in Nigeria cannot be different.
“If there is any time to show that peoples’ lives are all that really matters, it is now! If there is any time to show that it is people before profit, it is now. If there is any time to show that the very essence of government is the security and welfare of citizens, it is now.
“The war effort right now is how to beat the COVID-19 health insurgency and not scare-mongering already beleaguered citizens with electricity bills they cannot afford.
” Nigerian workers find tremendous succor in the altruism shared by President Muhammadu Buhari in his address on 29th March 2020 on government plans to support citizens through these tough times.
” We urge the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission not to embark on any fruitless adventure that would cast aspersion on the good intentions of Mr. President. Nigerians and indeed the global community have a real enemy to deal with and that is COVID-19.
“It would be totally unwise to make enemies out of ourselves and exacerbate the high voltage social tension that currently cascades all over the country. A word is indeed enough for the wise.”
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