I have won, I celebrate my resilience, says COVID-19 survivor (Guardian)
One of the discharged survivors who tested positive for coronavirus has recounted her experience inside the isolation centre in Lagos State after she was given a clean bill of health yesterday, March 30.
The lady, Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi, Executive Director, StandtoEndRape, who wrote of her experience on her twitter handle, @AyodejiOsowobi, said she contracted the disease during a post-Commonwealth event in the United Kingdom earlier this month.
Displaying various photographs of what she went through in the Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba, Osowobi said, for now, she had conquered coronavirus. She encouraged all Nigerians to live a healthy lifestyle.
Osowobi said days after her return from the Commonwealth event was tough as she fell ill after which she was tested positive for COVID-19. Read more
Landlord’s wife slashes tenant’s face with razor (Nation)
A landlord’s wife has been arrested for slashing the face of a female tenant with razor blade.
The incident happened on Monday at 78 Amudalatu Street in Agodo area of Egbe in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The victim, Ms Ruth Chukwu was allegedly attacked by the unnamed landlord’s wife during an altercation over disconnection of electricity supply by the landlord.
It was said that the victim and other tenants in the building had allegedly defaulted in payment of electricity bills, prompting their disconnection by the officials of an electricity distribution company penultimate Monday. Read more
Reply to SMS received today to get stimulus package, Lagos tells aged residents (Guardian)
The Lagos State government yesterday confirmed that SMS messages received by residents who are 60 years old and above emanated from the Lagos State Residents’ Registration Agency (LASRRA), noting that the aged and vulnerable residents will benefit from the stimulus food package unveiled by the state government on Friday.
The Commissioner for Agriculture, Prince Gbolahan Lawal, made the clarification yesterday, explaining that SMS from LASRRA was sent to the aged asking them to reply with a “YES”, “FOOD YES” or “SWITCH YES” if their registered home address with the agency remains valid.
Lawal noted that the Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with LASRRA, devised the initiative to ensure fairness and evenness in the distribution of the stimulus packages, just as he emphasised that Lagos residents duly registered with LASRRA will access similar social benefits in the future. Read more
Four killed during cultists, hoodlums’ clashes in Lagos (Punch)
No fewer than four persons have allegedly been killed in the ongoing supremacy battle between hoodlums from the Akosile area and the Network Base in Gasikiya, Amusun area of the Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area of Lagos State.
Some of the residents, who spoke with PUNCH Metro on Monday, identified the deceased simply as Mai-Rago, Agbo, Tuwo and Akeem, aka Sample, adding that the clashes had extended to the Gangari, Adeyemi, Oju Ina, Arewa and Amusun, among other areas in Apapa Iganmu.
During the clashes, scores of residents and business owners are usually thrown into panic and run helter-skelter for safety. Read more
Mushin fumigates markets, others (Nation)
Mushin Local Government in Lagos State on Monday fumigated major markets, drainages and parks.
Council’s Head of Environment Fatai- Omogbolahan Agbaje said the idea was to contain and control coronavirus.
Agbaje noted they educated traders on how to protect themselves, gave out sanitisers and trained them on how to identify symptoms of COVID-19 and what to do if members or those around them develop symptoms.
On effects of the fumigation on human beings and why it was not done at night, he said it would not harm humans, but was made to kill bacteria.
Agbaje said they also fumigated road sides, adding that they moved from Mushin market to Olorunsogo. Read more
Husbands kick, wives rejoice at stay-at-home order (Punch)
Mixed reactions from Lagos husbands and wives have trailed government’s stay-at-home directive following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Lagos State Government had last week directed closure of open markets, recreational centres, saloons and other public places with exception of those selling food, medicine and other live-saving essentials.
The government had earlier directed its workers on Grade Levels 12 and below to work from home except those on essential duties. Read more
Makinde tests positive for Coronavirus (Nation)
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has tested positive to Coronavirus. The governor announced his status on his twitter handle Monday evening.
Makinde said though he doesn’t show any symptoms yet, he has designated a former Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University College Hospital (UCH), Prof. Temitope Alonge, to continue to as head of the Covid-19 Task Force Team till his full recovery.
The governor urged the people to continue to comply with from the team and stay home to stay safe.
His tweet reads: “I just received my COVID-19 confirmation test result. It is positive. I am asymptomatic and will continue to self-isolate. Read more
COVID-19: Masquerader arrested for defying order, threatening cops (Punch)
The Ogun State Police Command said it had arrested a masquerader for allegedly violating the federal and state governments’ directives on social distancing and public gatherings in order to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the state.
The masquerader was said to have been apprehended after he allegedly confronted some policemen and threatened to deal with them if they insisted on dispersing his followers.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abimbola Oyeyemi, disclosed these on Monday.
Oyeyemi said the masquerader was apprehended on Sunday in the Ijeja area of Abeokuta following a complaint by members of the public that some persons had gathered in their hundreds in the area. Read more
Minister to journalists: Your ID your pass (Nation)
Journalists and other media workers in Lagos and Ogun states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have been advised to use their valid identity cards to access their places of work and assignment venues during the 14-day lockdown directed by President Muhamamdu Buhari.
A statement in Abuja yesterday by Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed said the clarification becomes necessary in view of the inadequate time to properly accredit working journalists in the affected states and the FCT. Read more
NIMASA issues fresh guidelines, bans vessels without screening facilities (Guardian)
Determined to stop the spread of the Coronavirus epidemic through shipping activities, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has issued fresh guidelines to support all types of ships that operate in the nation’s maritime domain.
Consequently, Director-General of the agency, Bashir Jamoh, yesterday banned all vessels without thermal screening facilities from operating on Nigerian waters.
In a statement, he pointed out that the new rules would help shipping companies and maritime stakeholders to follow the advice provided by United Nations agencies, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) as well as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). Read more
Coronavirus: Trump says US in good shape to meet ‘peak’ (BBC)
Donald Trump has said the US will be in “a very good shape” in terms of the number of ventilators available by the time the coronavirus outbreak peaks.
The president said at least 10 US companies were now making the medical devices, and some might be exported.
The virus can cause severe respiratory issues as it attacks the lungs. Ventilators help keep patients breathing.
The US has more than 160,000 confirmed virus cases and nearly 3,000 deaths.
New York City is the worst-hit place in America, with nearly 800 confirmed fatalities, according to Johns Hopkins University. Read more
AOC reportedly distancing herself from longshot Bernie Sanders (NYPost)
New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been quietly distancing herself from Sen. Bernie Sanders in an effort to shift the progressive path forward given his likely defeat in the 2020 Democratic primary, according to a new report.
The relationship began to break down in early February, when Sanders’ campaign manager, Faiz Shakir, complained via text to AOC’s campaign manager about her performance during a three-day stretch campaigning for the senator in Iowa, according to Vanity Fair.
The magazine reported that Shakir was specifically upset about her forgetting to mention Sanders by name when she hosted a campaign event at the University of Iowa. Read more
Lockdown, what lockdown? Sweden’s unusual response to coronavirus (BBC)
While swathes of Europe’s population endure lockdown conditions in the face of the coronavirus outbreak, one country stands almost alone in allowing life to go on much closer to normal.
After a long winter, it’s just become warm enough to sit outside in the Swedish capital and people are making the most of it.
Families are tucking into ice creams beneath a giant statue of the Viking God Thor in Mariatorget square. Young people are enjoying happy-hour bubbles from pavement seating further down the street.
Elsewhere in the city, nightclubs have been open this week, but gatherings for more than 50 people will be banned from Sunday. Read more
Inside Eminem and Hailie’s close father-daughter relationship (Metro)
Over the weekend Eminem opened up on his sweet relationship with daughter Hailie, as he shared his pride in his 23-year-old. Eminem – real name Marshall Mathers – shares Hailie with ex-wife Kimberly Scott and while he’s often kept his private life under wraps, over the years he’s shared some insight into his family. The Godzilla rapper also has adopted daughter Whitney (who is Kim’s daughter from a previous relationship), and also cared for her niece’s daughter Alaina, whom he refers to as a daughter.
During a recent appearance on Mike Tyson’s Hot Boxin’ podcast, Em opened up about his life as a father which he tends to keep fairly private. Read more
Coronavirus: UK measures ‘making a difference’ (BBC)
People are heeding the advice to stay at home to keep pressure off the NHS, and there are early signs that it is working, the UK’s chief scientific adviser has said.
Sir Patrick Vallance told a news conference that social distancing measures are “making a difference”.
Transmission of coronavirus in the community is thought to be decreasing, which could mean fewer infections.
Hospital admissions data suggests cases are not rising as fast as feared.
There are currently 9,000 people in hospitals in England with coronavirus, up from 6,000 on Friday. Read more
Stop wearing masks if you’re not sick, WHO reiterates (CNN)
World Health Organization officials Monday said they still recommend people not wear face masks unless they are sick with Covid-19 or caring for someone who is sick.
Masks may actually increase your coronavirus risk if worn improperly, surgeon general warns
Masks may actually increase your coronavirus risk if worn improperly, surgeon general warns
“There is no specific evidence to suggest that the wearing of masks by the mass population has any potential benefit. In fact, there’s some evidence to suggest the opposite in the misuse of wearing a mask properly or fitting it properly,” Dr. Mike Ryan, executive director of the WHO health emergencies program, said at a media briefing in Geneva, Switzerland, on Monday. Read more
Coronavirus: Italy extends lockdown amid hopes of turning corner (BBC)
Italy has extended its lockdown until Easter, but there is some hope as the country reports a declining infection rate.
The number of new coronavirus infections reported on Monday was 1,648, as opposed to 3,815 the previous day.
The death toll, however, rose again, with 812 deaths reported, compared with 756 the day before.
Italy believes the peak of its crisis will come in just over a week’s time.
It is the world’s hardest hit country in terms of number of deaths. Read more
N.K. Jemisin’s new book begins with a virus in New York. Somehow, it’s a joyous read (Vox)
In The City We Became, the new novel by N.K. Jemisin, an infection is spreading across New York City. It spreads rapidly from person to person, and its goal is nothing less than to destroy everything that makes New York a living, breathing, vital organism. To leave it a husk of itself.
The City We Became is strange to read right now in a way that Jemisin — the only person ever to win the prestigious Hugo Award three years in a row — could not possibly have predicted. The infection in her fantasy New York City is a metaphor for colonialism and bigotry and white nationalism. Meanwhile, the real New York City, where I live, has become the center of America’s coronavirus pandemic, and the literal infection here is casting existing bigotry and white nationalism into ever-sharper relief. At times, it does feel as though coronavirus is threatening everything that makes New York a living, breathing, vital organism, and as though it will leave the city nothing but a husk of itself. Read more
COVID-19: NFF offers Rohr fresh task on Eagles (Nation)
The General Secretary of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Dr Sanusi Mohammed has revealed that the football house has directed the Super Eagles Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr to monitor the players in their bases due to COVID-19.
Sanusi told NationSport that the coach was also instructed to report any development concerning his players to enable the secretariat take appropriate action.
He said that apart from Rohr, the secretariat is equally in contact with the players, adding, “it may interest you to know that few days ago I spoke with the Ahmed Musa and few others and advised them to observe the relevant preventive measures against Coronavirus. Read more
Tiger Woods vs. Phil Mickelson rematch in the pipeline (CNN)
Their first match was a $9 million winner-takes-all shoot out, but now Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson could lock horns again to fill the void in sports left by the coronavirus.
Professional golf is on hold because of the pandemic, but Mickelson hinted on social media that plans are being formed for another clash of the two golfing greats.
Chris Yurko
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@TigerWoods @PhilMickelson do you think there is a chance you two go play a round mic’d up with one camera guy and just put it out there on a stream for people to watch?? We need live sports
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Mickelson was asked on Twitter whether the pair would consider playing again for those missing their regular sporting action.
“@TigerWoods @PhilMickelson do you think there is a chance you two go play a round mic’d up with one camera guy and just put it out there on a stream for people to watch?? We need live sports”. Read more
Harry Kane: Tottenham striker ‘stupid’ not to leave for Man City or Liverpool – Chris Sutton (BBC)
Harry Kane would be “stupid” not to leave Tottenham if Liverpool or Manchester City came in for the England striker, says Chris Sutton.
Kane, 26, said he could leave if Spurs do not progress because he wants to win trophies “sooner rather than later”.
“I can understand the predicament he is in,” Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“But if he wants to win the Premier League, then he should move on and go to a club who have better chance of winning it than Spurs do.” Read more
Barcelona yet to approach Leicester for Ndidi (Nation)
Spanish giant, Barcelona are yet to approach Leicester City for Wilfred Ndidi despite shortlisting the Nigerian as a potential midfield reinforcement.
It was suggested last week that Barcelona had drawn up a five-man shortlist of potential defensive midfield reinforcements, with Ndidi, Benfica’s Florentino, Lille’s Boubakary Soumaré, Rennes’ Eduardo Camavinga and Chelsea’s French World Cup winner N’Golo Kante all linked with a move to the Camp Nou.
However, the Blaugrana have not tabled a bid for Ndidi’s services and the Super Eagles star, who is in the dark about a move to the La Liga champions, has insisted that he is committed to his Leicester City contract, Allnigeriasoccer.com reports. Read more
Chineme Martins for burial April 18 as family rejects autopsy (DailyTrust) Nasarawa United defender, Chineme Martins who slumped during yesterday’s match with Katsina United and later died in a hospital in Lafia The chairman of Nasraawa United, Barrister Isaac Danladi has said disclosed that the remains of Chineme Martins who slumped and died while playing in the NPFL week 23 fixture against visiting Katsina United will be buried on April 18. He also said the deceased family has decided that no autopsy should be carried out on him. It will be recalled that the unfortunate incident happened on March 8 at the Lafia township stadium in the presence of the Nasarawa State Governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule who was among the teeming fans who cheered the ‘solid miners’ to 3-0 victory over Katsina United. Read more
Dillian Whyte v Alexander Povetkin moved to July because of coronavirus (BBC)
Briton Dillian Whyte’s heavyweight fight against Russian Alexander Povetkin has been moved to 4 July.
The Manchester Arena event, scheduled for 2 May, was also set to include Irish fighter Katie Taylor’s world title bout against Amanda Serrano.
On Monday the British Boxing Board of Control suspended all events until the end of May because of coronavirus.
Whyte drove 40 hours to a training camp in Portugal last week in the hope that the fight would go ahead. Read more
Jack Grealish breaks silence after defying coronavirus lockdown rules (Metro)
Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish admits he’s ‘deeply embarrassed’ after the midfielder was pictured at the scene of a car crash after defying lockdown measures in the UK to meet a friend. On Sunday morning, a white Range Rover collided with two parked vehicles in Solihull, Birmingham and Grealish was pictured next to the car. A day earlier, Grealish uploaded a video onto his Twitter account in which he urged people to ‘stay home, protect the NHS and save lives’. The 24-year-old has now admitted that he was present at the scene after ‘stupidly’ agreeing to meet a friend. Read more
