Herdsmen/Boko Haram more lethal than coronavirus — Anambra CAN ON MAY 5, 20208:09 AMIN NEWS

Herdsmen/Boko Haram more lethal than coronavirus — Anambra CAN ON MAY 5, 20208:09 AMIN NEWS

ESUT resident doctors resume to treat growing COVID-19 cases …Don’t cause unnecessary tension in Anambra, AVG warns …Lockdown, other precautionary measures still in force — Enugu govt …IPOB: North flooding S-East with coronavirus through Almajirai …LEDAP flays Ebonyi gov’s order to flog defaulters of Covid-19 regulation

By: Oluwatosin Popoola For Hilltop RadioTv.

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Anambra State chapter, has described herdsmen and Boko Haram killings as more dangerous than the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic. In a statement issued yesterday in Onitsha,  the state chairman of CAN, Rev. Ndubuisi John recalled that since the emergence of COVID-19 till date, Nigeria has recorded more  deaths from    herdsmen and insurgents than from the virus. According to Rev. Ndubuisi, “For instance, last month in Yobe State, Nigeria lost 100 gallant combatant soldiers to Boko Haram insurgents who ambushed and battered their lives with bullets. “Oh! what a loss to Nigerian government two weeks ago in Plateau State where herdsmen bombarded the Miango community, killing as many people as they could since they have the monopoly of guns. “Few weeks ago at Askira Uba, a community in Borno state, the insurgents invaded and shattered the unarmed community with bullets sending many of them to their early graves. “And also in Taraba State, herdsmen killed 25 persons. My question therefore is: where are the true elders of this great nation? “Do you not know that some states are gradually dying out in this country? Many governors have cried out to the Federal Government, seeking for security aid. How much blood do we want to spill ?” Striking 

ESUT resident doctors return for COVID-19 cases Also yesterday, resident doctors of Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, ESUT-TH, who withdrew their services eleven days ago, have resolved to offer skeletal services so as to help combat the growing cases of COVID-19 cases in the state. The doctors said that even though the state government has remained adamant in their demand for commensurate pay, they will ease the industrial action, particularly as some of them were trained by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, on the treatment and control of Covid-19. A statement yesterday by the President of the Association of Resident Doctors, ARD ESUT-TH Chapter, Dr. Chima Edoga said: “The impasse between the Enugu State government and the resident doctors of ESUT Teaching Hospital has continued to linger as the government is yet to pay the doctors the approved salaries as agreed. This is despite the moves made by the National Association of Resident Doctors, NARD; the Enugu branch of  Nigerian Medical Association, NMA;  the Management of ESUT-TH Parklane; Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria,MDCAN, ESUT-TH Chapter and the pleas by well-meaning residents of coal city. “However, the striking doctors, having considered the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Enugu which has risen to 6 active cases as at 3rd of May, 2020, have decided to ease the withdrawal of services in bid to allow  doctors who have been trained by NCDC to attend to the COVID-19 cases. “This decision by the Association of Resident Doctors,ARD,  ESUT Teaching Hospital Parklane, is done in good faith and borne out of our love and respect for the good people of Enugu who have relentlessly pleaded for consideration of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It is also a reflection of the Association’s good intentions to promote quality healthcare for the people of Enugu which is its sole reason for the ongoing struggle.” Don’t cause unnecessary tension in Anambra, AVG warns Similarly, authorities of Anambra State Vigilante Supervisory Committee have warned those they called  rumour mongers and mischief makers to stop peddling false rumour capable of causing unnecessary tension in the state when all hands should be on deck to combat the COVID-19 pandemic in its entirety. Chairman of the committee, Chief Ikechukwu Ayo Aduba, a retired Commissioner of Police, who sounded this note of warning in a statement yesterday in Onitsha, recalled that the rumour mongers and mischief makers had gone on social media alleging that armed  herdsmen had on Wednesday, April 29, overrun Ufuma community in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state and caused mayhem. READ ALSO: Gunmen kill young civil engineer in Enugu According to the statement by Aduba,  a Senior Special Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano on Vigilante Matters, “the attention of Anambra State Vigilante Supervisory Committee has been drawn to a recent post on the internet that herdsmen had overrun Ufuma on Wednesday, April 29, 2020. There is no iota of truth in this malicious and mischievous lie.” Imo govt begins enforcement on social distancing In a related development, the Imo State government yesterday said it has commenced the enforcement of the covid-19 , social distancing guidelines among commercial bus/taxi operators in the state to stop the spread of the virus in Imo. The state commissioner for Transport, Rex Anunobi, disclosed this in Owerri, after a meeting he had with the leadership of Bus/Taxi Imo Transport Association and the state chapter of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, as captured by  Anunobi’s Special Adviser on Media, Ebere Uzoukwa. To achieve this, he said that in line with the social distancing rules, commercial buses in Imo, will be allowed to carry six passengers including driver, while for taxi, four passengers including driver. Lockdown’, other measures still in force— Enugu Govt Meantime, the Enugu State government has reiterated that all precautionary measures put in place to contain the spread of the virus in the state remain in force until further notice. The state government maintained that all land boundaries remain closed “except for medical emergencies and movement of essential goods and services”, disclosing that “the presidential directive on the compulsory use of face masks or covering in public and the overnight curfew from 8pm to 6am takes effect immediately”. In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh, the government urged the people of the state to “strictly adhere to these restrictions and control measures, in addition to maintaining physical distancing and good personal hygiene.” The management of Enugu State 
Transport Company (ENTRACO) has also warned operators of its vehicles and registered contract ones to strictly adhere to the directive of the state government banning Inter-state transportation in the state. The warning was contained in a statement signed by the Managing Director of the Company, Bob Itanyi. The MD reminded the vehicle operators that the state government’s directive on passenger conveyance and all other precautionary measures are still in force, stressing that “any vehicle bearing ENTRACO colour and name found violating the order will be dealt with and your contract with us will be terminated.” IPOB accuses north of infecting S-East with COVID 19 through  Almajirai In a related development, the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, yesterday raised the alarm that there is a grand plan by some elements in Northern Nigeria to infest the s-east with coronavirus, through sending the Almajirai to Enugu State. IPOB alleged that those behind the plot are currently pursuing its actualisation under the guise of repatriation of Almajirai to their home states. In a statement by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the pro Biafra group wondered why the people behind the alleged plot will be sending Almajirai to Biafra land which does not harbour, encourage or make keeping Almajirai as part of their culture. IPOB’s statement read: “We, the global family of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, ably led by our great leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu wishes to draw the attention of Biafrans and the world at large about the ploy by some Northern elements to export coronavirus from its Kano epicenter and other parts of Northern Nigeria to other parts of Nigeria particularly Biafra land. “Those behind this evil plot are currently pursuing its actualisation under the guise of repatriation of Almajirai to their home states. “It is a known fact that Biafrans have no Almajirai as that is not our culture. Why then are those behind the sending of Almajirai boys to Enugu doing so if not to infest Biafrans with COVID-19. It is an indisputabke face that there are no Almajirai  of Biafran origin. “Arewa North have been secretly sending potential coronavirus victims in the name of sending out their Alamajirai group to Enugu State since the lockdown started. “Dispatching Almajirai to our land under any guise will not be accepted. We shall stoutly resist this move.Now, they intend to infest the rest of us with the virus under the guise of repatriation of Almajirai. We won’t allow this evil plot as there are no Almajiriai  of Biafra origin, neither do we encourage such practice.” LEDAP cautions Ebonyi gov In a similar vein, Legal Defence and Assistance Project, LEDAP, has condemned the directive by Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State, to local government officials and law enforcement agencies to flog anyone who appears in public without wearing face mask in the state. In a letter addressed to the governor by LEDAP’s National Coordinator, Chino Obiagwu, SAN, the body said that “flogging is an inhuman treatment prohibited under Section 34 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, which guarantees every person’s right to the respect of his or her dignity and prohibits torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. “Flogging or any such corporal punishment also amounts to torture and therefore a crime under Section 2 of the Anti-Torture Act 2017, which has national application including in Ebonyi State. Flogging also violates the provision of Section 2 of the Violence against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 and African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act 1990. “We call on the governor to withdraw the statement forthwith and to direct officials to refrain from flogging any offender but rather, those suspected of flouting the Covid-19 regulations in the state should be charged and given fair hearing in the courts, including mobile courts, to ensure that due process of the law is complied with. “We and our allies are working to protect and promote human rights in Nigeria especially during this Covid-19 lockdown state that we will take steps in line with their mandate, to initiate criminal charges under the Anti-Torture Act 2017 against any official in the state who flogs a citizen as punishment for any offence or for any reason whatsoever and shall also hold the governor accountable at the end of his immuned tenure, under the principle of command criminal responsibility. “We further drew the Governor’s attention to the fact that “most citizens in Nigeria including in Ebonyi state, live under the poverty line and daily subsistence.

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COVID-19: Evacuation of 700 Nigerians from US begins May 10 ON MAY 5, 20208:04 AMIN NEWS

COVID-19: Evacuation of 700 Nigerians from US begins May 10 ON MAY 5, 20208:04 AMIN NEWS

 Evacuation of Nigerians stranded in the U.S. due to the novel coronavirus pandemic is to begin on May 10, according to the Consulate-General of Nigeria in New York.

By: Oluwatosin Popoola For Hilltop RadioTv.

The consulate-general disclosed this in a notice signed by the Consul-General, Mr Benaoyagha Okoyen, on behalf of the Nigerian Missions in the U.S., on Sunday. According to the notice, no fewer than 700 Nigerians have registered with the missions in the U.S. for evacuation, which will be done in batches. It said that the first batch of 270 evacuees would be transported to Abuja through an Ethiopian Airlines flight ET

509. READ ALSO: COVID-19: Kano evacuates 524 Almajiri children to Jigawa The plane is expected to depart the Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey at 9.15p.m., and fly directly to the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

As earlier announced by the Federal Government, the flight is at the expense of the evacuees, who will all fly economy class, according to the notice. “The projected cost for the one-way economy ticket is between 1,300 dollars (N488,800) and 1,700 dollars (N639,200) per adult. “Please note that over 700 Nigerian nationals have registered with our missions in the USA to be evacuated. “However, only 270 passengers shall be accommodated in this batch of evacuation. “Missions will, therefore, attend to applicants on a first come, first served basis and shall prioritise the list of evacuees according to their immigration status. “This includes the need to consider those stranded with proof of short stay visas, the elderly, families with children and returning students,” it said. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in New York, Okoyen said the dates for subsequent batches would be announced in due course. To curb the spread of COVID-19, the Federal Government on March 18 imposed restrictions on travels from 13 countries with high burdens. The countries are China, Iran, South Korea, Germany, Italy, U.S. United Kingdom, Switzerland, Norway, Netherlands, Spain, France, Japan, Australia and Sweden. Consequently, many Nigerians, who were on short-term visits to the affected countries, became stranded.

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Ease of lockdown in Lagos, FCT: FG mulls another lockdown ON MAY 5, 20208:12 AMIN CORONAVIRUS UPDATES

Ease of lockdown in Lagos, FCT: FG mulls another lockdown ON MAY 5, 20208:12 AMIN CORONAVIRUS UPDATES

…PTF expresses concern over poor observation …We may have a spike in COVID-19 cases, NMA warns …

Gains made by the lockdown may be compromised —AMLSN ….

As Lagos, Ogun, Abuja witness partial compliance By Oluwatosin Popoola For Hilltop RadioTV. Source: vanguard news

Despite the appeal against flooding the streets, Lagos and Abuja residents, yesterday, trooped out en-masse to transact their businesses, ignoring social distancing and overloading by commercial vehicle drivers. This compelled the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, to raise the alarm that the non-compliance to social distancing and wearing of masks might lead to a spike in the number coronavirus cases in Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, and other states of the federation. This is even as the Presidential Task Force, PTF, on COVID-19 also expressed worry that Nigerians have ignored the plea to maintain social distancing and the wearing of face masks to curtail the spread of the virus. Consequently, the federal government said yesterday it might be forced to proclaim another round of lockdown across the country. Lagos residents flout directive Checks by  Vanguard  on the first day of the easing of the lockdown revealed total chaos as residents, motorists, and commercial bus operators stormed the roads as early as 7 am. Across the state, there were gridlocks, as motorists stayed long hours in traffic before getting to their destinations. 

However,the Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, operators kept to the 60 percent occupancy capacity, with 21 passengers on board. Though along Ikorodu Road, passengers in the BRT long queue did not observe physical distancing, the operators only permitted passengers with face marks to board Law enforcement agents helpless It was, however, a herculean task for law enforcement agents at the Lagos-Ogun border areas, specifically, Kara, along Lagos Ibadan Expressway, to enforce the ban on inter-state movement of vehicles as trucks, cars and other vehicle operators struggled to gain entrance into Lagos. Areas such as Ikeja, Agege, Ikorodu Express Road, Lagos Abeokuta Expressway, Oshodi, Egbeda, Ikotun, Obalende, Third Mainland Bridge, Funsho Williams Avenue, formerly Western Avenue, Badagry Expressway, LASU-Iba road, all recorded high vehicular and human activities. Also, most banks visited were invaded by customers who ignored the social distancing rule as they struggled to gain entrance into the banking hall. Security personnel stationed at the bank gate had a tough time ensuring  compliance with 60 occupancy capacity directive at a time into the banking hall. Okada operations suspended However, there was high level compliance on the suspension of operation of commercial motorcyclists, popularly called Okoda riders, as they stayed off the roads. Only a few riders were seen operating within the streets. At Iyana-Ipaja Markets, shoppers were seen in large numbers in frantic buying, mingling among themselves without observing the social distancing rule. Also, there was no handwashing facilities or hand sanitizers at the entrance of major markets visited, as directed by Governor Sanwo-Olu. Commercial buses flout directive Also, most commercial bus operators did not comply with the 60 percent occupancy capacity, filling their buses with passengers. While some passengers failed to comply with the use of face masks, majority were seen with their masks on. In some places, including Ita Opo, Imokun, Noforija, Poka, Odomola, Iraye in the Epe area of Lagos, some people failed to comply with the use of face mask. At Eleko, Awoyaya, Abijo, Ajah, areas of Ibeju Lekki, most commercial drivers did not comply with the 60 per cent occupancy capacity guidelines by the state government. Hike in transport fare Speaking with  Vanguard, a commuter in Eleko, Mr. Paul Adeoti, said: “It is sad that most people did not understand the implication of not complying with the guidelines by the state government to protect themselves against the novel coronavirus. “Those commercial bus drivers that were ready to comply with the 60 percent capacity loading insisted on increasing transport fares. So, from Eleko to Ajah is now N300 instead of N200. And transportation fare from Ajah to CMS has also increased.” Customers besiege banks Most banks visited by  Vanguard  were besieged by customers who ignored the physical distancing rule as they struggled to gain entrance into the banking hall. Some banks along Apapa road in Lagos Mainland were under lock. Massive turn out expected but overwhelming—Info Commissioner Reacting to the large turnout of residents, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, described the development as “expected” but quite overwhelming. Omotoso said: “By human nature, people don’t like being caged or locked down. The influx is expected, having stayed at home for weeks but the number was just overwhelming. That is one of the reasons Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu directed civil servants to remain at home for now. “Don’t forget some bank customers do not have electronic banking facility, they have to be physically present at the bank to withdraw and do other transactions, that is why we had a crowd at different banks today (Monday). We appreciate Lagosians for their patience and perseverance. “We believe that as time goes, the situation will subside and we begin to see a high level of compliance by residents.” Police to enforce use of face masks in Lagos Also speaking, the  Commissioner of Police, Lagos Police Command, CP Hakeem Odumosu, vowed that anyone who flouts the directive to wear face masks or abide by the social distancing rule would be dealt with. Addressing newsmen, Odumosu said: “This time, police will not arrest you for vehicle particulars, but for refusing to put on face mask and for not keeping social distance.  Okada  activities have been suspended. ‘’Since we started the lockdown, we have not had any case of police brutality in Lagos, because we are using persuasive enforcement, and we will continue on that. “Those arrested so far, are those who did not put on the face mask, passenger, driver or conductor. Anyone not putting facemask will be arrested. Anyone carrying more than the stipulated number of passengers without social distancing will be stopped. ‘’The operatives on enforcement will just ask the excess passengers to get down and the bus will continue its journey with the expected number of passengers. Before any arrest can be made on violators, it will be after 8.p.m. “We went around the city as early as  5.am, all the barricades have been removed and no policeman is stopping anyone anywhere. By and large, the enforcement is a persuasive one, we will persuade people.” Abuja residents troop out en masse Also, for residents of Kurudu and Jikwoyi communities in the Abuja Municipal Area Council, civil servants, artisans, businessmen and job seekers trooped out into the ever-busy Kurudu/Jikwoyi/ Nyanya road as early as 6:30 am, yesterday, following the easing of the lockdown. Though a significant percent of commuters wore facemasks, they failed to obey the social distancing rule. Tricycle (Keke) operators were seen conveying three passengers in the back seat and one in front from Kurudu to Nyanya. A Keke rider, Joshua, attributed it to the refusal of passengers to pay the sum of N150. He said: “Before now, we used to charge N100 but we agreed to bring it up to N150 to enable us carry only two passengers behind and one in front but they are not paying.” Also, there was low compliance with the use of face masks and social distancing rules in Lugbe and Kabusa markets in the FCT. Banks under siege As early as 7:30 am, residents of Abuja thronged the streets in their numbers to banks, markets, and other places of interest to carry out essential transactions. While there was relative chaos in some banks because of the unusually large number of customers who besieged their premises, a good number of them neither wore face masks nor observed the rules of social distancing. At a commercial bank located within the precincts of Lugbe Shoprite, customers were seen scrambling for space in contrast to the three feet distancing protocol, even as officials attempted to ensure there was order. Some residents, who spoke to  Vanguard, yesterday, expressed reservations about the use of face masks. A resident, Vivian Ifezue, said: “The face masks are expensive to buy. Some families barely see enough money to eat. So, acquiring face masks of N200 each for seven or eight members of the family seems to be a luxury not many a breadwinner is willing to acquire in the communities.” Another resident, Victor Vershima, vowed not to use the facemask nor maintain social distancing because he does not believe the COVID-19 pandemic is real. “How can the government continue to announce the increasing number of cases on a daily basis yet move to lift the lockdown? Who is deceiving who?” he queried. We may have a spike in COVID cases – NMA Reacting to the easing of the lockdown in Lagos, Ogun and the FCT, President of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, Dr. Francis Faduyile, said the country will see a spike in positive cases of the coronavirus. Faduyile said: “What I have seen so far is that a lot of people came out today (yesterday) and we have a lot of non-compliance with the regulations given in terms of social distancing as well as being guided in public places. “There was a large crowd at several banks. Some of the banking halls were filled with upward of 50 to 70 people and also a large crowd by the banks’ premises too. There were closed contacts in those banks. Also, in commercial buses, people were sitting too close to each other and these are the fears we envisaged with the relaxation of the lockdown. “This development is definitely working against all the regulations towards the containment of the disease and it shows that it is more likely we will have a spike in positive cases as the NMA envisaged.” He, however, urged the Federal and State governments to enforce all the regulations put in place to prevent the spread of the COVID-19. He said: “Since the government has relaxed the lockdown, they should be able to find ways to ensure that there is compliance to those guidelines they have put in place.” Gains made by the lockdown may be compromised—AMLSN Meanwhile, the Association of the Medical Laboratory of Nigeria, AMLSN, yesterday, warned that the gains made by the lockdown may be compromised should Nigerians fail to keep to the rules of social distancing. The National Publicity Secretary of AMLSN, Dr. Ifeanyi Casmier, said: “Monday was our first experiment of the easing of the lockdown and the outing in Lagos and some parts in the FCT left much to be desired. Our worry as medical experts is that it does appear that the gains made in the lockdown may largely be compromised by the way Nigerians compromised the rules of social distancing like in Lagos, people who went to various banking halls. “I think Nigerians must know that they must take responsibility for their lives and safety because the government has issued guidelines, the government will not, therefore, come to force you to comply with the guidelines. “If we do not attain the platinum of flattening the curve, it will be foolhardy to let loose the floodgate. People must understand that even though the government has eased lockdown, it does not mean that we have come to the end of the COVID-19 virus. It is here and we now have community transmission.” “I also appeal to those in the banking industry to open all their branches to avoid people congregating in one branch because if you limit the number of branches that are opened, people will crowd there and make a compromise of the entire effort.” PTF expresses concern over poor observation Also expressing worry, chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Mr. Boss Mustapha, at a press briefing in Abuja, said reports from across the country showed poor observance to the prescribed measures. He expressed dismay over the chaotic situation at the banks and called on the financial institutions to make their Automated Teller Machines, ATM, functional. While noting that the objective of the ban was to slow down the spread of the virus across state boundaries, the SGF stressed that the determination of the government to enforce the policy was not in doubt. Mustapha said: “The PTF has been monitoring the level of compliance with some of the measures and early observations showed a lack of compliance with social distancing and wearing of masks. READ ALSO: COVID-19: Economy reopens over 6 weeks — FG “We note particularly the chaotic scenes around the banks and other financial institutions. We must reiterate that the danger of infection is not over and that individual actions will contribute to the success or failure of our measures. “We urge citizens to minimize the risk of getting infected while trying to do transactions in the banks. We similarly urge the banks to ensure that their ATMs and online banking systems are in good order and stocked regularly to avoid convergence of customers on their premises. “The PTF fully understands the desire of Nigerians to come out to continue their lives after five weeks of lockdown. “State governments and security agencies have however been advised to enforce the measures rigidly and violators will be prosecuted.” Besides, he reminded citizens that the easing up is in phases and those who are permitted to open have clearly been defined. His words: “Our admonition to Nigerians is that it is still desirable to stay at home if there is no compelling reason to go out and to comply with the measures always, whether at home or not.” FG mulls another lockdown Similarly, the Federal Government has said it might be forced to proclaim another round of lockdown across the country, even as the World Health Organization, WHO, said it could take the next 12 to 18 months for a COVID-19 vaccine to be ready, adding that after that, such a vaccine would still take another time to be mass-produced for the public. Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, who spoke on the likelihood of COVID-19 infections increasing, however, urged Nigerians to demonstrate a high level of responsibility to mitigate the spread of the virus. Ehanire said: “As we begin a new week and the prospects of gradual easing of the lockdown, ‘’I wish to start by reminding citizens that this phase comes with the added responsibility to be extra vigilant and compliant with the accompanying measures and guidelines that are meant to ensure that we do not lose the health gains we have made so far, while cautiously opening options for citizens to rebuild their livelihoods. “Since our COVID-19 statistics are of considerable concern, attention has also been drawn to the observation that countries who eased or lifted restrictions, suffered an increase in new cases. ‘’Although our projection already features an increasing number of cases, even with the lockdown, I believe that redoubling our efforts to adhere to government directives can keep figures within the control range of the COVID-19.” Further lockdown Also speaking, Director-General of the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Iheakwazu, berated banks for opening fewer branches, an action he said would definitely fuel the spike in infection rate. Iheakwazu said: “Today, some of the measures are being eased. The initial reports are not too pleasing across the country. This is to appeal to everyone across the country to take responsibility. When we say take responsibility, yes, we are addressing the individuals but we really need to address Corporate Nigeria. One of the biggest groups that were allowed to start a business today are banks but many banks have limited the number of branches they opened. Yes, there is a benefit of the doubt, but when you limit the number of branches that open, everybody goes to the one branch that is opened and that becomes counter-productive. There is only so much we can do. We can produce all the guidelines and do all the preaching but if organizations are not going to come up and support the implementation of these measures and help us manage the risks and focus on a risk-based approach, then all our efforts would amount to nothing. “We will have infections because of what happened today. No doubt about that, but how can we learn from mistakes of today into tomorrow, next tomorrow so that by Friday, hopefully, we would have normalised some of these things? Yes, we knew today would be a problem. Everybody here knew today would be a problem because for the first time people were left out of their homes. But now that they are out and now that we have seen the sunlight again, the challenge for us, as a society is how do we now organise ourselves to mitigate this risk, to limit transmission from one another so that, yes we might have a few extra infections today and tomorrow, but what we do not want is an explosion of new infections. If we do have that explosion, there would be almost no choice left for the leadership of the country than to ask all of us to go back into our homes. So, for the benefit of having a few hours a day of coming out to reopen parts of the economy, there is a price to pay and that price is that we organise ourselves to do this safely. Focus on Kano “We are focusing a lot of energy on Kano not because Lagos is no longer important. In fact, Lagos still has the highest number of cases and they need all the necessary support and we will continue to give them all the support. “We have an emerging issue in Kano and therefore some of our thinking resources now have to be focused on Kano. Yesterday, I visited Kano again. We haven’t just activated the laboratories and left, because of what happened the other time. ‘’We left our colleagues to stay there and mentor the colleagues there to make sure they are able to do the tests. Therefore, the speed of testing is a bit slower than you would expect but that is the price we have to pay in order to get this up and running.” Iheakwazu added that while there were currently no fewer than 41 staff of the NCDC deployed in Kano, 17 officials of the World Health Organization WHO had also been deployed in the state. He added that the NCDC had begun the process of establishing at least one sample collection centre in each of the 44 local government areas of Kano State. Chairman of the Presidential Taskforce PTF, Mr. Boss Mustapha had earlier lamented the compliance level with the PTF’s guidelines. He said: “The PTF has also received reports on the level of compliance with the nationwide ban on inter-state movement. The objective of the ban is to slow down the spread of the virus across state boundaries. The determination of the government to enforce this policy is not in doubt and as we progress, we believe that proper alignment with the directives of Mr. President would be pursued. “There has been very noticeable relocation of Almajiris from one state to another, up until yesterday. With the ban on interstate movement, the continuation of this exercise will not be in alignment with the guidelines issued. The PTF shall engage with the respective State Governments on how to achieve their objectives. “As we journey into this new phase of measures, it is imperative that I re-iterate the importance of adherence to the guidelines more so that preliminary reports indicate that there is observable high level of breaches by the citizenry. “The PTF has also received reports about medical facilities and doctors turning back sick patients for fear of their illnesses being COVID-19 related. The PTF appeals to these facilities especially public hospitals not to neglect treatment of other ailments because such actions have resulted in avoidable deaths. The Minister of Health will engage the management of our tertiary health institutions to address this.” 4, 000 Nigerians wishing to return Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, who said there are about 4, 000 Nigerians abroad wishing to return to the country, said while it is not possible to evacuate all of them, the federal government would begin air-lifting some of them this Wednesday. Onyeama said: “With regards to evacuating our nationals in various countries across the world back to Nigeria, we gave a target for us to start today. We were able to put the minimum requirements in place and proposed to an airline. Emirates had a flight that was cancelled a couple of weeks ago because we were not ready to receive that flight and that was the lowest hanging fruit that we could start with. “They have indicated that they will be able to operate their flight from Dubai on Wednesday. So, by God’s grace, on Wednesday, we will start the process of repatriating our nationals from outside the country. If we had our way, there are almost 4, 000 Nigerians wishing to come back home, we would bring them back immediately and all at once. But, there are various constraints, the biggest of which is where to quarantine them. We have done everything we can to get beds here in Abuja and Lagos. In Lagos, we have almost 300 beds available. So, the first flight on Wednesday will be at Lagos. We are hoping that soon after that, a British Airways Flight that is actually coming to Nigeria on Friday to evacuate some British nationals here in Nigeria, since it will be coming empty, we have negotiated with the British Government for us to fill the plane in London with Nigerians coming back. Ideally, we would have loved that flight to come to Abuja because we have been able to secure hotel rooms more than we have in Lagos. We have almost a thousand hotel rooms in Abuja but they let us know that unfortunately, that plane cannot come to Abuja but only Lagos.” No vaccine till late 2021—WHO Country Representative of the World Health Organization WHO, Dr. Fiona Braka said a vaccine against the Covid-19 could be possible in the next 12 to 18 months. Braka said; “Research is going on globally to study the genetics of the virus and by studying the genetics of the virus, it helps us to develop a vaccine. So, thanks to the rapid sharing of genetic sequencing data from countries and we are able to advance the production of vaccines. We do acknowledge the contributions of countries, including Nigeria, in sharing their genetic sequencing data. “The first vaccine trial started as early as 69 days just after the genetic sequencing information of the virus was shared by China and as I mentioned in the last briefing, we have about 89 products that are currently under vaccine development. The numbers keep getting updated because there is an accelerated process going on globally to try and find a vaccine. It takes years to develop a vaccine, but with the acceleration of these efforts, we hope that with an expedited process, we are probably looking at 12 to 18 months before the first product would probably be available. And once that product is available, then there is a process to produce in large quantities for global supply. We are optimistic, but we want to say in the meantime when we do not have a vaccine, we work on the strategies of breaking the cycle of transmission and how do we do that? It is through testing, isolation, contact tracing, quarantine to break that cycle of transmission. In addition to that, the non-pharmaceutical interventions, which is what we have been advising the public on hand washing, coughing and sneezing etiquette and others which are needed to break the cycle as we wait for a vaccine”, she added.

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COVID-19 cases in Nigeria rise to 2,802 ON MAY 5, 20208:30 AMIN CORONAVIRUS UPDATES

COVID-19 cases in Nigeria rise to 2,802 ON MAY 5, 20208:30 AMIN CORONAVIRUS UPDATES

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, on Monday said the country recorded 245 new cases of COVID-19 in 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in Nigeria to 2,802. The centre also said that the number of fatalities has risen to 93 after recording 6 new deaths, 2,292 active cases, while 417 people have been treated and discharged from the isolation centres after full recovery. “245 new cases of #COVID19; 76-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 2802 confirmed cases of #COVID19 in Nigeria Discharged: 417 Deaths: 93″ According to NCDC, they are working with the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other partners in the operationalisation of sample collection sites in Local Governments, for COVID-19 diagnosis as part of its strategy to ensure cases are detected early.

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/05/covid-19-cases-in-nigeria-rise-to-2802/

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COVID-19 NIGERIA

Samples Tested

18,536

Confirmed Cases

2,802

Active Cases

2,292

Discharged Cases

417

Death

93

Confirmed Cases by State

States Affected	No. of Cases (Lab Confirmed)	No. of Cases (on admission)	No. Discharged	No. of Deaths
Lagos	1,183	892	261	30
Kano	365	357	0	8
FCT	297	254	40	3
Borno	100	86	0	14
Gombe	96	96	0	0
Ogun	85	71	12	2
Katsina	83	70	6	7
Kaduna	81	70	10	1
Bauchi	80	74	6	0
Sokoto	66	57	1	8
Edo	62	48	10	4
Oyo	39	28	9	2
Jigawa	39	38	0	1
Osun	37	3	30	4
Delta	17	13	2	2
Akwa Ibom	16	4	10	2
Kwara	16	8	8	0
Rivers	14	10	2	2
Yobe	13	12	0	1
Ondo	13	10	3	0
Zamfara	13	12	0	1
Ekiti	12	9	2	1
Adamawa	12	12	0	0
Kebbi	12	12	0	0
Nasarawa	11	11	0	0
Enugu	8	6	2	0
Taraba	8	8	0	0
Ebonyi	5	5	0	0
Bayelsa	5	5	0	0
Niger	4	3	1	0
Plateau	3	3	0	0
Abia	2	1	1	0
Benue	2	2	0	0
Imo	2	2	0	0
Anambra	1	0	1	0

Highlights

• On the 4th of May 2020, 245 new confirmed cases and 6 deaths were recorded in Nigeria
• No new state has reported a case in the last 24 hours.
• Till date, 2802 cases have been confirmed, 417 cases have been discharged and 93 deaths have been recorded in 34 states and the Federal Capital Territory
• The 245 new cases are reported from 16 states- Lagos(76), Katsina(37), Kano(23), FCT(19), Jigawa(32), Borno(18), Edo(10), Bauchi(9), Adamawa(6) Oyo(5), Ogun(5), Ekiti(1), Osun(1), Benue(1), Niger(1), Zamfara(1)

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Tweets by NCDCgov

Updates

Guide for Businesses May 4, 2020

Case Definition May 3, 2020

Social Distancing May 3, 2020

Community Case Definition May 3, 2020

Implementation guidelines for the containment of COVID-19 May 1, 2020

Self Isolation and Quarantine guidelines May 1, 2020

Click here to access archive

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Nigeria began easing restrictions on Monday, May 4 in its capital Abuja and in Lagos, its largest city, marking the reopening of Africa’s biggest economy after more than four weeks of lockdown. Nigeria has recorded 2,802 confirmed cases of the new coronavirus and 93 deaths since recording its first case at the end of February, a much lower toll than those seen in COVID-19 hotspots in Europe and the United States. The government has said a stay-at-home order in place since March 30 in Abuja and the states of Lagos and Ogun will be lifted gradually over a six-week period. The regions will now come in line with the rest of the country where the restrictions in force were less strict and include an overnight curfew, mandatory face masks in public and a ban on non-essential interstate travel. “We must do all we can to stop the spread of #COVID19 so we must all take responsibility and do what is necessary to remain safe,” said Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in a tweet, hours before restrictions were eased. On Monday morning, the usually frenetic streets of the coastal megacity Lagos, largely empty during the lockdown, were busy with cars, buses and motorised tricycle taxis. Faced with morning rain, people in the city’s Iyana Oworo district huddled under a bridge, ignoring social distancing rules, but most people wore masks. Businesses have been allowed to reopen provided they have decontaminated their offices, can enable social distancing and offer hand sanitizer and hand washing. Schools and places of worship remain closed, restaurants can only operate on a takeaway basis, and all cultural events have been cancelled.

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PRESIDENT BUHARI PARTIALLY LIFTS LOCKDOWN IN 2 STATES PLUS FCT

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the phased and gradual easing of the lockdown in Lagos and Ogun states as well as the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

He said this in a nationwide address.

“Based on the above and in line with the recommendations of the Presidential Task Force on COVID nineteen, the various Federal Government committees that have reviewed socio-economic matters and the Nigeria Governors Forum, I have approved for a phased and gradual easing of lockdown measures in FCT, Lagos and Ogun States effective from Monday, 4th May, 2020 at 9am.

“However, this will be followed strictly with aggressive reinforcement of testing and contact tracing measures while allowing the restoration of some economic and business activities in certain sectors.

“The highlights of the new nationwide measures are as follows;

“Selected businesses and offices can open from 9am to 6pm; There will be an overnight curfew from 8pm to 6am. This means all movements will be prohibited during this period except essential services; There will be a ban on non-essential inter-state passenger travel until further notice;

Partial and controlled interstate movement of goods and services will be allowed for the movement of goods and services from producers to consumers.

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“We will strictly ensure the mandatory use of face masks or coverings in public in addition to maintaining physical distancing and personal hygiene. Furthermore, the restrictions on social and religious gathers shall remain in place. State Governments, corporate organisations and philanthropists are encouraged to support the production of cloth masks for citizens.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the lockdown in the FCT, Lagos & Ogun States shall remain in place until these new ones come into effect on Monday, 4th May 2020 at 9am,” he said

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