COVID-19: Lagos might have up to 39,000 cases, says Health Commissioner (Nation)
The Lagos government on Friday said it expects to see up to 39,000 cases of COVID-19 in the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed this at a Press briefing at the Ministry of Health in Alausa.
Abayomi said, “Our mathematical modelling shows that the worst-case scenario is that we may see up to 39,000 cases in Lagos.”
He, however, said if everyone practices good social distancing, the figure will be limited to 13,000.
“If we add social distancing to active contact tracing, then we will be able to bend the curve further,” he said. Read more
Lagos markets go on partial lockdown over Covid-19 (Guardian)
The Yorubas have greetings for every season and occasion, as a new one debuted yesterday: “Eku atimole coronavirus yi o,” followed by a response, “Aani ba corona lo ooo;” meaning ‘Happy coronavirus lockdown,’ and ‘We won’t be victims of the virus.’
That was how many Lagos residents exchanged pleasantries yesterday as there was partial compliance to the directives of the state government that all open markets and stores should be closed except for sellers of food and medicines.
When our reporters visited some of the open markets, it was discovered that some of the traders opened their shops for businesses and went about their daily activities without hindrances. Read more
97-year-old man robbed of phone, ATM cards in Ogun (Guardian)
A burglar has broken into the Ilaro, Ogun State home of Josiah Odunaro, father of Kayode Odunaro, the media aide of Senator Solomon Adeola. Mr. Odunaro, in a post on Facebook yesterday, blamed the incident on the shutdown of activities in the country over the coronavirus pandemic.
He said the burglar made away with the phone and wallet of his 97-year-old father, a retired police officer. He wrote: “COVID19 Shutdown Troubles: Unfortunately, a burglar decided to burgle my father of over 97 years old, Chief Josiah Odunaro, the Otun Ajiroba of Ilaro, of his phone and wallet containing his Union and Polaris Bank ATM cards and his retired police officer’s ID.”
The aide expressed worry over his aged father having to move around as coronavirus ravages. “He is going round to the banks, police stations and GSM providers to do the needful in this perilous time for his age at Ilaro,” he said. Read more
Gov’ship tussle: Supreme Court dismisses Zamfara review application (DailyTrust)
The Supreme Court has dismissed the application for the review of the judgement which disqualified the governorship and other (APC) candidates of the All Progressives Congress in Zamfara State in the 2019 general elections. A five-member panel of justices presided by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Tanko Muhammad ruled on Friday that the application was a gross abuse of the Rules of Order 8 Rule 16 of the Supreme Court Rules. The lead judgement, which was agreed to by four of the five members read by Justice John Inyang Okoro, also ordered a cost of N2m against the Abdulazez Yari faction to the Kabiru Marafa faction (1 to 140th Respondents). However, Justice Chima Nweze delivered a dissenting judgment in which he agreed with the application for review on the grounds that the apex court cannot award victory to the PDP which was not a party to the dispute. Read more
Coronavirus: FG converts NYSC camps, stadia to isolation centres (Punch)
The Federal Government says four stadia in the country will be used as isolation centres in the fight against coronavirus pandemic.
It also said all National Youth Service Corps orientation camps in the country would as well be used as isolation centres.
Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare, made this known on Friday via his Twitter handle.
He wrote, “Mr. President has approved for the Ministry of Youth and Sports to open and make available the stadiums in Surulere Lagos, Ibadan, Abuja, and Kaduna, as well as our NYSC camps nationwide for use as isolation centers as they are needed. We are in touch with relevant authorities.” Read more
Our workforce not enough to battle COVID-19 – NMA (Nation)
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Anambra state has called on the governor of the state, Willie Obiano to recruit more medical personnel in the state to assist in battling the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
It also demanded immediate procurement of Personal Protective Equipment at the various emergency operation centres in readiness for any outbreak in the state.
Addressing newsmen on Friday in Onitsha, Chairman of the body, Dr. Emmanuel Monago further called on the government to consider shutting down all markets in the state as part of the measures to avert the pandemic.
Monago who was represented by his Vice, Dr. Jide Onyekwelu applauded the government’s response to the scourge, describing it as well articulated and valid. Read more
COVID-19: I am sound in good spirit – says Muhammad (Guardian)
Gov. Bala Muhammad of Bauchi State has assured the people of the state and Nigerians that he is very sound and in good spirit, inspite of testing positive to Coronavirus.
This is contained in a good will message by Mr Mukhtar Gidado, Senior Special Assistant to the governor, on Friday in Bauchi.
In the message, the governor was quoted as regretting that his condition would not allow him to serve his dear people at this critical time of need, stressing that the challenges are surmountable by God’s grace. Read more
No stoppage of fuel supplies nationwide – NNPC, NUPENG (DailyTrust)
The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) have said there will not be disruption to fuel supplies in the nation during the Coronavirus stay at home directive by some state governments. The NNPC’s spokesman, Dr Kehinde Obateru told Daily Trust in a telephone interview that the government’s own oil company has everything under control to ensure hitch-free fuel supply across Nigeria. Dr Obateru who is the NNPC Group General Manager Public Affairs said the government, NUPENG and the marketers had all agreed that there would not be disruption to fuel supply and sale during the pandemic. He said government had agreed with the marketers on the issue of differential in the old stock of petrol they had before the announcement of new fuel pump price of N125/litre. Read more
COVID-19: Muslims defy Benue govt’s ban on religious gathering (Vanguard)
Muslims in Makurdi the Benue state capital Friday held their Jumaat prayers in defiance of the state government’s order banning congregational and religious gatherings to check the spread of COVID-19 in the state.
The state government had last Tuesday after an expanded State Executive Council, SEC, meeting embargoed all forms of congressional gatherings of more than 50 persons while social gatherings were totally banned till further notice.
Saturday Vanguard observed that the Muslim faithful who converged at the Makurdi Central Mosque, in their numbers at about 1:30 pm to participate in the prayers also failed to observe the directive on social distancing. Read more
COVID-19: US asks doctors, nurses around the world to apply for visas (Punch)
The United States has asked medical professionals seeking to work in America to apply for a work visa at the nearest US Embassy as part of measures to strengthen the health system to contain the coronavirus pandemic in the country.
The government in a statement published on www.travel.state.gov on Friday, advised foreign medical professionals already in the US to consult with their sponsors to extend their programmes.
According to World Health Organisation statistics as of 12:00 pm on Friday, 63,570 people have been infected with the virus and nearly 884 have died in the US which is quickly becoming the new epicenter of the outbreak. Read more
Coronavirus: India ‘super spreader’ quarantines 40,000 people (BBC)
Indian authorities in the northern state of Punjab have quarantined around 40,000 residents from 20 villages following a Covid-19 outbreak linked to just one man.
The 70-year-old died of coronavirus – a fact found out only after his death.
The man, a preacher, had ignored advice to self quarantine after returning from a trip to Italy and Germany, officials told BBC Punjabi’s Arvind Chhabra.
India has 640 confirmed cases of the virus, of which 30 are in Punjab.
However, experts worry that the real number of positive cases could be far higher. India has one of the lowest testing rates in the world, although efforts are under way to ramp up capacity. Read more
China reports 55 new coronavirus cases, prepares for entry ban (DailyTrust)
China has reported 55 new coronavirus infections and five deaths over the past day, as the country prepares to shut its borders to most foreigners in an effort to curb imported cases of the virus. According to the National Health Commission, all but one of the new cases reported on Friday were found among travellers returning from abroad. China on Thursday said it would suspend the entry of foreign nationals holding valid visas and resident permits in a move to curb the number of imported cases of the coronavirus. Read more
Coronavirus: Deaths rise sharply in Spain while infection rate stabilises (BBC)
Spain has seen a sharp rise in the number of deaths caused by coronavirus but the rate of new infections is stabilising, officials say.
Confirmed cases of Covid-19, the disease caused by the virus, rose to 64,059, a 14% increase compared with 18% a day earlier and 20% on Wednesday.
In 24 hours, 769 people died, a daily record, taking the total to 4,858.
Deaths among vulnerable people seem to be mounting, with residents at elderly nursing homes particularly affected. Read more
IMF chief: ‘Clear we have entered recession’ (Guardian)
The coronavirus pandemic has driven the global economy into a downturn that will require massive funding to help developing nations, IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva said Friday.
“It is clear that we have entered a recession” that will be worse than in 2009 following the global financial crisis, she said in an online press briefing.
With the worldwide economic “sudden stop,” Georgieva said the fund’s estimate “for the overall financial needs of emerging markets is $2.5 trillion.” Read more
All Points East music festival cancelled amid coronavirus crisis (Metro)
All Points East festival has been cancelled amid the coronavirus pandemic. Organisers have decided against holding the event in London’s Victoria Park on two consecutive weekends from May 22 till May 31. It is the latest in a long line of UK music festivals that have been forced to cancel over the outbreak of the deadly bug, Read more
Coronavirus travel: China bars foreign visitors as imported cases rise (BBC)
China has announced a temporary ban on all foreign visitors, even if they have visas or residence permits.
The country is also limiting Chinese and foreign airlines to one flight per week, and flights must not be more than 75% full.
Although China reported its first locally-transmitted coronavirus case for three days on Friday, almost all its new cases now come from abroad.
There were 55 new cases across China on Thursday – 54 of them from overseas. Read more
Spotify pledges to help musicians affected by coronavirus (Metro)
Music streaming giant Spotify has announced it wants to help musicians affected by the coronavirus epidemic. In economic terms, artists will have been hit particularly hard by the crisis as many rely on gigs and performances to make money. And while saving lives is the obvious priority, everyone wants to be able to support themselves and their families. ‘At times of great challenge, music helps to uplift us. But right now, thousands of creative professionals in the music industry need our help,’ Spotify announced. Read more
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp’s emotional reaction to NHS workers chanting You’ll Never Walk Alone (Metro)
Jurgen Klopp admitted he was moved to tears after watching a video which featured NHS workers chanting ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’. Mary Foy, Labour’s MP for Durham City, posted a clip on social media last night which captured healthcare workers singing and swaying to Liverpool’s iconic chant on the night thousands took to the streets to show their appreciation for the NHS staff who are working around the clock to save lives during the coronavirus pandemic. Reacting to the video, Klopp said : ‘My English is not good enough to say. It’s extraordinary, it’s great. Read more
Man Utd to offer refunds, season ticket delay to fans (Guardian)
Manchester United will refund supporters if they have to play their remaining home games of the season behind closed doors or if they are scrapped due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The deadline for season ticket renewals for next season has also been suspended, with no indication as to when the current campaign can re-start.
English football has been suspended until April 30, but a meeting of Premier League clubs next week is expected to push that date further back. Read more
Murray unsure of ‘delayed’ Wimbledon (Nation)
Two-time champion Jamie Murray says the All England Club face a considerable challenge rescheduling Wimbledon if it is postponed because of coronavirus.
A decision regarding this year’s event will be made next week while the pandemic has already pushed May’s French Open to the autumn. Wimbledon, scheduled for June 29 to July 12, could be cancelled altogether.
“I don’t know how long they could push it back,” Murray, 34, told BBC Scotland’s The Nine. Read more
Player contracts should be extended due to virus – FIFA (DailyTrust)
Current contracts for players and coaches should be extended until the end of the delayed domestic football seasons, according to an internal FIFA document presented to its Coronavirus Working Group. The confidential document, seen by Reuters, also recommends allowing transfer windows to be changed in accordance with new season dates and urges clubs and players to work together to find solutions to salary payments during stoppages. The document was to be discussed by members of FIFA’s Working Group later on Thursday. No decision on the issues has yet been taken by FIFA. Read more
Novak Djokovic donates £900,000 to help fight coronavirus in Serbia (Metro)
Tennis world number one Novak Djokovic has donated almost £900,000 to help fight coronavirus in his native Serbia. COVID-19 has brought the sporting world to a halt and led to the deaths of more than 25,000 people worldwide. There have been almost 500 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Serbia and Djokovic’s pledge of one million euros will help buy more ventilators and medical equipment for the country. ‘I wish to express my gratitude to all the medical staff across the world and in my native Serbia for helping everyone infected by the coronavirus,’ Djokovic said. Read more
Sports will struggle to recover from COVID-19 chaos – Galadima (DailyTrust)
A former chairman of the then Nigeria Football Association and Patron of Nigeria Olympics Committee, NOC, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima has said the devastating effects of coronavirus pandemic on sports would take a long time to go away. Speaking to Daily Trust yesterday, the renowned sports administrator said the decision by countries and international sports organisations to suspend all sporting activities was taken in the best interest of humanity. He, however, maintained that sports would suffer the economic consequences for a very long time just as he stressed that athletes who depend on remunerations to carter for their families would suffer more. “The emergence of coronavirus is something that is beyond sports. It has touched on global economy and this is going to have serious effect on sports and our ways of life. Read more
Lampard wary of pushing Chelsea players too hard during virus lay-off (Guardian)
Chelsea manager Frank Lampard believes it is unrealistic to “push and push” players to maintain their fitness levels during the coronavirus pandemic with no concrete timetable as to when football will return.
Football in England has been suspended until at least April 30, but that date is expected to be pushed back at a meeting of Premier League clubs next week.
The Blues squad are continuing to train at home in line with government guidelines on social distancing. Read more