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.”
Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, the Director General (DG) of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) said there “is a case definition for COVID-19” and only those with symptoms will be tested by the Centre.
The NCDC DG stated this while answering questions fielded by journalists during the Presidential Task Force Briefing on the COVID-19 (coronavirus) in Abuja.
Dr Ihekweazu while advising against unnecessary agitation to get tested for the virus all because of “anxiety” said there are three criteria the NCDC usually consider to consider a case worthy of being tested for the coronavirus disease.
“We have a case definition for COVID-19, either respiratory symptoms plus travel; respiratory symptoms plus contact with a confirmed case; or respiratory symptoms of unknown explanation.
“These are the three groups of people we will be testing. Because the more people force themselves into being tested, the less we have the capacity to test people who are really in need of the test
“These people that really need it will be transmitting it to 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 the society”
Dr Ihekweazu also noted that the Centre has been testing about 500 suspected cases per day, “by the end of this week, we will be testing 1,000, by next week we plan to take it to about 1,500 per day.”
Africa ’ s largest city Lagos was deserted after Nigeria locked down its economic hub and shuttered its capital , in the continent ’ s latest effort to brake the juggernaut of coronavirus .
Businesses were closed , markets abandoned and streets empty as the usually chaotic megacity of 20 million , along with the capital Abuja , shuddered to a halt on the first full day of a two – week shutdown .
Police in protective equipment manned checkpoints , trucks carrying non – essential items were turned back and youths were spotted playing football on a usually traffic – clogged highway .
“ It is like putting people in prison, ” said minibus taxi driver Mutiu Adisa .
“ I don ’ t know how people can survive for two weeks without working to make money. ”
Nigeria embarked late Monday on one of Africa’ s most ambitious efforts at social distancing after recording 135 confirmed cases and two deaths .
Enforcing the stay – at – home order in the overcrowded slums of Lagos will be a mammoth challenge as millions of poor depend on their daily earnings to survive .
Officials insist the draconian measures are needed urgently to ward off an explosion in infections that could easily overwhelm the weak health system in Africa ’ s most populous nation.
“ To reduce the number of people with coronavirus , we know they need to stop movement , ” 60 – year – old engineer Ogun Nubi Victor said .
“ But there is no money for the citizens , people are just sitting at home , with nothing to eat . How do we survive ?”
In an attempt to ease the pain, Lagos state authorities have pledged to supply basic food rations to some 200 , 000 of the city ’ s neediest households.
Members of the House of Representatives have resolved to donate their salaries for two months to the fight against COVID- 19 pandemic in Nigeria
The Speaker , Femi Gbajabiamila , who made the announcement, said the two – month salary donation would be independent of the contributions by individual lawmakers to alleviate the hardships being faced by their constituents “at this time of national emergency . ”
The Senate had on Monday pledged that its members would sustain the donation of half of their salaries to the Federal Government until the nation is totally free of the pandemic .
Gbajabiamila had earlier on Sunday , via his Twitter handle , @ femigbaja , said , “ I just presided over an emergency meeting of the body of principal officers of @ HouseNGR today Sunday , where we deliberated on the effects of the COVID- 19 pandemic . We know that the pandemic affects all our constituents and Nigerians can be assured of our legislative intervention . ”
According to a statement issued by his media office , which accompanied his video message to Nigerians , the Speaker said starting from March salary , the lawmakers ’ donation would be transferred directly to the National Relief Fund account for the fight against the pandemic .
He said , “ We have in the House of Representatives jointly committed to contributing 100 per cent of our salaries for the next two months to the fight against COVID- 19 in Nigeria . Our contribution will support provisions for the welfare of frontline medical professionals and health workers and other interventions , to provide for the wellbeing of all Nigerians through these trying times .
“ Accordingly , I have directed the Clerk to the National Assembly to see to it that all members’ salaries are transferred to the National Relief Fund for this month and the next . This is independent of ongoing individual efforts by members to alleviate the suffering brought on by this virus and to improve the living conditions of citizens in their various constituencies .
The Speaker added that the House would exercise its oversight power to ensure faithful administration of all emergency funds and contributions made so far , to ensure they serve the purpose for which they were intended.
He said consequently , the House had already mandated the Committees on Health and Disaster Preparedness to “ diligently oversee the distribution of items donated by local and foreign donors to ensure proper management . ”
Gbajabiamila also said the House has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria to make cash grants to the 774 local government areas of the country to alleviate the suffering by the masses .
He said , “The House also calls on the CBN, as part of its policy measures in response to the COVID- 19 outbreak , to immediately direct cash grants to the 774 LGA administrations in the country to provide food and other essentials to at – risk individuals and communities . ”
China reported 48 new cases of coronavirus and five more COVID-19 deaths, in the latest figures released by the National Health Commission.
All of the new cases were so-called imported cases, detected in people, who had recently travelled outside of the country.
For weeks now, new infections have been almost exclusively imported, leading official sources to say the domestic spread has been brought under control.
Since its outbreak in December last year, 3,305 people in China have died due to the virus, which has infected 81,518 people, according to the Health Commission.
More than 76,000 have recovered so far.
Meanwhile, the mood in China’s industry has brightened after a record slump due to the coronavirus.
The Beijing Bureau of Statistics announced on Tuesday that the official Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) of the manufacturing sector jumped from 35.7 to 52 points in March.
Values above 50 points indicate a positive mood in the economy, while below that, a downturn is expected.
The strict measures to halt the disease’s spread had practically brought the Chinese economy to a standstill and unprecedented lows were recorded in January and February.
However, factories and companies are slowly resuming operations.
As the Statistical Office further said, more than half of the companies surveyed had started work again and resumed production.
The Federal Government has said it did not know how long COVID- 19 would last in the country.
The Secretary to the Government of Federation , Boss Mustapha , said this at a press conference he jointly addressed with the Minister of Health , Osagie Ehanire , in Abuja where the government revealed that the country had recorded its second COVID- 19 death .
The President , Major General Muhammadu Buhari ( retd . ), as part of efforts to stop the spread of COVID- 19 , on Sunday , ordered lockdown in the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos , and Ogun states .
However , the Ogun State Government said it had got the presidential permission to shift the lockdown to Friday .
Buhari , had during a nationwide broadcast on Sunday , said the 14 – day lockdown would enable the government to trace and treat those who must have contracted the virus .
On Monday , the SGF , Mustapha , said , “ We don ’ t know how long this thing will last . That’ s the truth about it. I believe with sheer determination of all Nigerians , we will overcome these challenges .
“ We are doing everything to ensure conformity of policies with state governments . We will do everything within our power to stop the case . ”
He added , “ Let me use this medium to appeal to all Nigerians , through you , for full understanding , unity of purpose and in the interest of humanity , to observe all measures put in place, remain vigilant and cooperate with security and other agencies who are toiling day and night to keep us safe and alive . ”
Ehanire said no country could boast of having enough ventilators , which he said were not required for all cases .
He said , “ The question of ventilators; yes we are addressing it . There is no country in this world that has enough ventilators . Of all the cases we have had so far only one requires a ventilator . Some require just Oxygen . Probably less than four per cent of the cases we are dealing with require ventilators .
“ Government is also taking inventory of what each state requires. The number of ventilators you have in the country does not decide your rate of survival . ”
Ehanire said the President had approved that all retired but essential and able staff be recalled to service .
He said the President had also issued directives for all Federal Government stadia , pilgrims camps and other facilities to be converted to isolation centres and makeshift hospitals.
To increase access to testing , the minister said the Federal Government was working hard to open up as many testing sites as possible .
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