News

NYSC Cancels Orientation Camps Nationwide

By Web News 945

The National Youth Service Corps NYSC has abruptly shut down all orientation camp nationwide over the recently reported cases of coronavirus in the country.

The shutdown of the NYSC orientation camps is coming barely Six days after Corps members were sworn in on Thursday the 12th of March.

Corps members across the country were scheduled to leave camps on the 30th of March, while the stream 2 Corps members were expected to resume camp on the 2nd of April.

Some Corps members in Ibadan North West Local Government have expressed concern and called for the cancellation of the weekly Community Development Service, CDS which has in attendance about 700 members.

Meanwhile, Nigeria has currently confirmed three cases of coronavirus and no reports of deaths.

The disease has killed over 7,000 people globally, mainly in China, Italy, Iran and South Korea.

Ojeakhe Ozoya

Sport

Coronavirus: Euro 2020 Postponed Until Next Year

By Web News 778

The tournament, due to be played across Europe in 12 different countries, would be an obvious risk for the spread of coronavirus.

Euro 2020 is being postponed for a year due to the coronavirus outbreak, according to Norway’s football association.

In a tweet, the Norwegian FA said: “UEFA has decided that the European Championship is postponed to 2021. It will be played from 11 June to 11 July next year. More information coming.”

UEFA, European football’s governing body, is holding an emergency meeting via a video conference call with its 55 affiliated national football federations and representatives of clubs, leagues and players on Tuesday.

The 24-team tournament, due to be played across Europe in 12 different countries, including England, would be an obvious risk for the spread of coronavirus.

UEFA itself has moved into lockdown because of coronavirus, with only business-critical staff working from its headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland, from Monday evening onwards.

The move, though unconfirmed, follows the suspension of football in all five of Europe’s top domestic leagues – England, Spain, Italy, France and Germany, along with the Champions League, Europa League and World Cup qualifiers.

The International Olympic Committee is also meeting today.

Culled from Sky News

Foreign

Chinese Billionaire to Donate Coronavirus Test Kits to Africa

By Web News 880

Chinese billionaire and co-founder of Alibaba, Jack Ma, has pledged to donate 20,000 testing kits, 100,000 masks and 1,000 protective suits to each African country to help the fight against Coronavirus.

Mr Ma, Asia’s richest person, earlier this month sent consignments of medical supplies to the US and pledged to distribute two million protective masks across Europe.

In a statement, he said the resources for African countries would be delivered to Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed overseeing distribution to the rest of the continent.

Mr Abiy confirmed the news in a series of tweets and spoke of his “great appreciation” for Jack Ma’s partnership:

“As members of the global community, it will be irresponsible of us to sit on the fence, panic, ignore facts, or fail to act. We need to take action now,” Mr Ma added in his statement.

He said the Jack Ma Foundation and Alibaba Foundation would also provide online material for Coronavirus clinical treatment to medical institutions on the continent.

There has been a sharp rise in Coronavirus cases in Africa in recent days, although they are still fewer than in most other continents. Strict measures have been ordered – including travel restrictions and the closure of schools – in South Africa and Kenya among others.

There are concerns that the continent’s weak health systems may be unable to cope with a large outbreak and that governments lack financial and logistical resources to deal with the virus.

BBC NEWS

Foreign News

More African States Impose Travel Restrictions

By Web News 797

Increasing numbers of African countries are confirming Coronavirus cases, prompting many to announce measures to control the spread of the virus.

Ghana is the latest nation to ban entry to foreign visitors from countries badly impacted by the disease.

Earlier, South Africa declared a state of disaster, closing its borders to foreign nationals from countries badly impacted by the disease. The ban includes China, Iran, Italy, Spain, the UK and the US.

Kenya has also imposed sweeping travel restrictions, blocking entry to all travelers coming from countries with reported cases. On Sunday, the government confirmed two more cases of Coronavirus, taking the total number to three.

Djibouti, which has no confirmed case, has suspended all international flights. Tanzania, which also has no confirmed case, has cancelled flights to India.

Morocco has also suspended all international flights from its airports. The North African state has 28 confirmed cases, including one death.

The prime minister of Libya’s internationally recognized government, Fayez Sarraj, also announced the closure of Libya’s airspace and land borders as a preventative measure starting from Monday.

In neighbouring Algeria, which has 48 Coronavirus cases, officials announced they would be suspending all flights to France as of Tuesday.

In Tunisia, Prime Minister Elyes Fakhfakh has ordered the closure of all borders and a ban on large gatherings, including congregation prayers in mosques. The country has confirmed 20 cases of the virus.

Mozambique’s President Filipe Nyusi has suspended all gatherings of 300 people or more. He has also suspended all foreign travel by state officials – including his own visits to Equatorial Guinea and Palestinian territories that were scheduled for later this month.

The virus is now confirmed to be present in at least 26 nations across the continent.

BBC NEWS

Health News

Coronavirus: Oyo NOA Sensitizes Market Men and Women

By Web News 1086

Considering the high volume of economic activities operating at market places and motor parks, the Oyo State National Orientation Agency, (NOA), has taken its sensitization campaign against Coronavirus to some markets within Ibadan metropolis.  

The sensitization rally which kicked-off from Oke-Padi to Ogunpa market and ended at Dugbe market, afforded traders the opportunity to be informed of proper hygiene as well as causes, symptoms and measures at preventing the spread of Coronavirus. 

While addressing newsmen after the one on one sensitization, State Director, NOA, Mrs. Dolapo Dosunmu, said the campaign against Coronavirus became necessary after the epidemic hit over 100 countries with Nigeria inclusive.

Mrs. Dosunmu, however, advised political office holders, traditional and religious leaders to champion the campaign against Coronavirus epidemic in their localities.

The NOA boss who advised the traders to wash their hands regularly, avoid over crowed places as well as close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illnesses, appealed to them to extend such campaign to their homes, neighborhood and environment. 

According to World Health Organization, (WHO), confirmed cases of Coronavirus have risen to 130,000 with more than 4,700 deaths reported across the world.

News

Coronavirus: 40 Contacts of Index Case Test Negative in Ogun

By Web News 688

Forty contacts of the index case of coronavirus in Nigeria under quarantine have been reunited with their families after they tested negative to the virus.

Ogun state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker who made this known in Abeokuta while giving update on management of the index case said those reunited with their families include the second positive case that has now tested negative. 


The Commissioner thanked the people of Ogun state for their vigilance and urged them not to relent by continuing to observe their high level of personal and respiratory hygiene.

Dr. Coker thanked the Federal Government and collaborating agencies for their support and response to contain the outbreak of coronavirus in the country.

She assured that Ogun state government would continue to deploy technology to the remote areas for surveillance and risk evaluation and management to keep the people safe.

Wale Oloukun

Foreign Health News

Kenya Confirms First Coronavirus Case

By Web News 915

Kenya has confirmed that a woman has tested positive for Covid-19.

Health Minister, Mutahi Kagwe, said she had arrived from the US on 5 March and tested positive for the virus on Thursday.

She had travelled from the US, transiting in London without leaving the airport.

The Minister said the patient was now stable and eating, adding that her fever had gone down.

She would be kept in isolation until she tested negative, he said.

BBC NEWS

News Sport

Breaking: EPL Player Hudson-Odoi Tests Positive for Coronavirus

By Web News 897

Chelsea’s Callum Hudson-Odoi has tested positive for Corona virus, and the entire Chelsea squad now is in self isolation.

Hudson-Odoi displayed symptoms similar to a mild cold on Monday morning and has not been at the training ground since then as a precaution.

Meanwhile Saturday’s Premier League match between Brighton and Arsenal has been postponed following the news that broke earlier concerning Gunners head coach Mikel Arteta testing positive for Covid-19.

The Premier League will convene an emergency club meeting today regarding fixtures after Mikel Arteta tested positive for COVID-19.

Football fans have been calling for the total suspension of the Premier League after the news broke about Arteta and Callum Hudson-Odoi testing positive for Coronavirus.


Ojeakhe Ozoya

News Sport

Coronavirus: Juventus Player Tests Positive

By Web News 876

A player for Juventus, the Italian soccer champion, has tested positive for Covid-19, the club announced this on Wednesday, a worrisome development for football and a country struggling to contain the outbreak.

The 25-year-old defender, Daniele Rugani is believed to be the first player in the Serie A to test positive.

The team said in a statement that Rugani was “currently asymptomatic,” but that the club was following isolation procedures required by law for him and anyone who has had contact with him.

Rugani is not the first player in Europe to test positive for the Coronavirus German team, Hannover 96, confirmed earlier on Wednesday that one of its players had tested positive and was in isolation but the implications for Juventus, and for European soccer, could be far more severe.

Rugani was on the bench when Juventus played its title rival, Inter Milan, behind closed doors on Sunday, and his diagnosis means Rugani and his teammates, his coaches and assorted staff members must be quarantined for 14 days.

That will most likely make it impossible for Juventus to play the second leg of their round of 16 Champions league match against the French club, Lyon on Tuesday, and the news could lead to quarantine for Inter’s players and coaches as well.

Football in Europe has been hit hard by the outbreak of the Coronavirus as games in the English Premier League could be played behind closed doors.

League bosses, who insist they will take their lead from the Government, appear to be waiting for the lockdown call.

Other than the EPL, Spanish La Liga matches will also be played behind closed doors until at least 22 March, covering the next two rounds of top-tier fixtures in the country, to try and stop the spread of the coronavirus.

While the top two leagues in France will see games without fans until 15 April, Serie A football matches will be played behind closed doors until at least April 3 due to coronavirus concerns.

Ojeakhe Ozoya

Education

NYSC Takes Measures Against Contraction of Coronavirus

By Web News 972

The National Youth Service Corps in Ekiti State said it has taken proactive measures to guard against the contraction of coronavirus by Corps members currently in camp.

The NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs Emmanuella Okpongete made this known at the swearing-in of the 2020 “Batch A” stream one Corps members at the orientation camp in Ise-orun, Emure Ekiti.

Mrs Okpongete explained that the scheme has provided hand sanitizers, wash hand containers and soap to guard against the contraction of coronavirus while the State Government through the Ministry of Health had also provided some items including sensitization leaflets which would be distributed to the youths during the ongoing orientation course.

She said that Corps members would be exposed to lectures on national issues, skills acquisition training, physical and paramilitary exercises and urged them to be attentive.

On his part, Governor Kayode Fayemi who spoke through the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr Michael Awopetu congratulated the youth for successful completion of their studies, promising that his administration would continue to accord priority to their welfare.

Dr Fayemi, however, advised them to participate actively in all the activities on the camp so as to build on whatever they might have learnt in their places of primary assignment after the orientation course.

The Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Ayodeji Daramola administered the oath of allegiance on the corps members.

Similarly, the NYSC Ondo State, has screened 1,860 Corps members deployed to Ondo State and other personnel to guard against possible contraction of Coronavirus and Lassa fever within the orientation camp.

Mrs. Grace Akpabio, NYSC State Coordinator in Ondo State, disclosed this at the swearing-in ceremony for the 2020 “Batch A”, stream one Corps members at the camp in Ikare Akoko.

Mrs Akapbio also stated that all necessary medical measures had been put in place by the Scheme in collaboration with Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, the Federal Ministry of Health and Ondo State Government.

She allayed the fears of parents and guardians over the safety of Corps members deployed to Ondo State as the Scheme would always live up to its responsibility to protect Corps members.

In a message, Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu urged the Corps members to always be positive in attitude and thoughts on various challenges facing the country.

Governor Akeredolu assured the Corps members of their security and welfare, adding that the Corps members should report to nearby health facility if their health status is threatened.

Justice Idowu Kolawole administered the oath of allegiance on the Corps members on behalf of the State Chief Judge, Justice Oluwatoyin Akeredolu.

Also in Ogun State, the NYSC has collaborated with relevant agencies in the health sector to ensure safety of the Corps members in the state and their protection against the contraction of Coronavirus.

The state coordinator of NYSC, Dr. Belinda Faniyi made this known at the Swearing-in of the two thousand and sixty-nine 2020 “Batch A” stream one Corps members posted to the state.

Radio Nigeria reports that hand sanitizers were made available at strategic locations in the orientation camp.

Security agents were seen at the entrance of the NYSC permanent orientation camp at Sagamu, identifying prospective Corps members after which an official with an infrared thermometer could be seen checking temperatures of the Corps members before they were directed to use hand sanitizers prior to entering the camp.

According to Dr. Faniyi, the authorities of the scheme have been proactive by engaging relevant agencies to guarantee the safety of the Corps members and also put in place measures to protect them from the spread of Coronavirus.

The NYSC coordinator assured parents of the safety of Corps members during the service year.

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state, represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Dr. Kehinde Oluwadare advised the Corps members to integrate themselves into society and assured the them of safety while in the state.

Meanwhile, the NYSC is to engage some Corps members posted to Oyo state in the prevention of Covid-19 during their service year.

Oyo state Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs. grace Ogbuogebe stated this during the swearing in ceremony of 2,076 “Batch A” stream one Corps members at the orientation camp in Iseyin.


The NYSC Coordinator explained that the Scheme had partnered the University College Hospital, UCH in giving proper training on the preventive mechanism for Covid-19.


While administering oath of allegiance on the Corps members, the Chief Judge of Oyo state, Justice Muktar Abimbola represented by Justice Aderonke Aderemi, urged Corps members to be dedicated to their fatherland.


While declaring the orientation open, Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, represented by the state Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr Seun Fakorede said his administration would continue to provide conducive environment for NYSC to operate in the state.


Governor Makinde implored the Corps members to embrace the skill acquisition and entrepreuship development, SAED programme of the NYSC to become self reliant.

Kayode Animasaun / Amos Ogunrinde / Wale Oloukun / Rotimi Famakin

Yoruba

Ajo Eleto Ilera, WHO, Samulo Ijo Esin Lati dena Itankale Arun Coronavirus

By Web News 1706

Ajo eleto ilera agbaye, WHO, ti gbe ipolongo lori a ti dena arun Korona laarin awon omo ileyi, gba odo awon olori esin lo ni ipinle Ogun.

Ilaniloye lori ati dena arun naa ni won se fun awon Lemomu ati Alufa ninu Mosalasi Ilu Egba, to wa ni Kobiti, nilu Abeokuta.

Akoroyin wa j’abo iroyin wipe awon akopa ninu ipolongo ilaniloye naa ni won kojopo lati awon Mosalasi  ati legbelegbe ijo Musulumi kaakiri ijoba ibile to wa nipinle Ogun.

Wale Oluokun

Health

Coronavirus: WHO Organizes Workshop for Religious Leaders in Ogun

By Web News 772

World Health Organisation, WHO, has taken the sensitization for the prevention of Coronavirus among Nigerians to religious leaders in Ogun State.

The sensitization workshop for the League of Imams and Dawah workers was held at the Egba Central Mosque, Kobiti, Abeokuta.

Radio Nigeria reports that the participants were drawn from Mosques and Muslim Organisations from the twenty local government areas of the state.

Wale Oluokun

Health

Coronavirus: Ekiti State Govt. Distributes Hand Sanitisers

By Web News 832

As part of its efforts to protect the pupils and students against Coronavirus, Ekiti State Government has commenced the distribution of hand sanitizers to the public primary and secondary schools in the state.

The State Commissioner for Education, Mr Foluso Daramola, who supervised the distribution of the items to the first set of schools in Ado-Ekiti, called on School Administrators to ensure that the sanitizers were used solely for the purpose meant for.

Mr Daramola assured that government would leave no stone unturned in its effort to prevent the virus from spreading to the state.

He, however, appealed to parents and guardians to keep away their sick children and wards from schools and take them to hospitals for urgent medical attention.

The commissioner also advised parents to call the emergency number 112 should they suspect their children of showing any sign of flu.

Mr Daramola appealed to the people of the state to imbibe the act of proper handwashing while those who had the habit of touching their mouth, eyes, nose and ears with their hands should stop henceforth. 

Amos Ogunrinde

Foreign News

Coronavirus: South Africa Confirms Six More Cases, Sends Rescue Plane To China

By Web News 698

Six new Coronavirus cases have been confirmed in South Africa, bringing the total in the country to 13, the Health Minister says.

Reports say the new cases are in the provinces of Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape and involve people who have recently returned from trips to Europe.

“Those who are symptomatic have started receiving treatment, Some of these patients are already in hospital while some, specifically those who are asymptomatic, are in self-quarantine. Contact tracing has also started for all these cases,” Health Minister Zweli Mkhize is quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, a plane has left South Africa headed to China’s Coronavirus epicentre of Wuhan to repatriate more than 120 citizens stranded there since the outbreak began in January.

“Go with speed, with God and bring our children back home,” President Cyril Ramaphosa reportedly told the dozens of military staff and health officials boarding the flight at Johannesburg’s main airport on Tuesday night.

The plane is due to stop over in the Philippines first to refuel, before heading to China and scheduled to leave China on Friday then land in South Africa later that day. The mission will cost almost $1.6m (£1.2m), according to a letter President Cyril Ramaphosa wrote to parliament.

A total of 122 South Africans are to be repatriated, authorities say. That’s fewer than the 180 people who originally said they wanted to be brought back.

According to a government statement those who dropped out decided to “stay on at their respective commitments”,and South African authorities said in a statement that none of the people being repatriated have showed any signs of Coronavirus infection, , but they will all be subject to a 21-day quarantine period.

Bbc News

Health

Nigeria Confirms Second Case Of Coronavirus

By Web News 800

The Federal Government has confirmed the second case of Coronavirus in the country.

Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, made the revelation on Monday at a press conference in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

Ehanire briefed reporters at the boardroom of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, where he gave an update on the Coronavirus infection in the country.

He, however, stressed that the newly confirmed case was a contact of the index case and not an importation into the country.

Details coming…

Foreign

Egypt Records First Coronavirus Death in Africa

By Web News 733

A German tourist has died from the Coronavirus in Egypt, becoming the first fatality of Covid-19 to be recorded in Africa.

The 60-year-old had arrived in Egypt a week ago and complained of a fever.

He was taken to a hospital in the Red Sea resort of Hurghada for treatment where he was diagnosed with Coronavirus.

The AFP news agency reports that his breathing was affected by “acute pneumonia”.

The patient died after refusing to be transferred to an isolation ward.

On Saturday, Egypt’s ministry of health announced that there were 45 new cases of Coronavirus involving travellers who were in a cruise ship, bringing the total to 48.

The ship was quarantined and the infected people were moved to an isolation facility in the North of the country.

Here are the latest numbers of confirmed Coronavirus cases in Africa:

  • Egypt – 48
  • Algeria – 17
  • Senegal – 4
  • South Africa – 3
  • Morocco – 2
  • Cameroon – 2
  • Tunisia – 2
  • Togo – 1
  • Nigeria – 1

BBC NEWS

Religion

Coronavirus: NAHCON Announces Refund of Umrah Visa Fees

By Web News 853

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah recently released a circular informing the general public of its resolve to refund Umrah visa fees and other service charges.

This is sequel to suspension of lesser Hajj activities by the Kingdom’s authorities as a measure towards halting the spread of COVID-19 infection.

The circular indicated that an electronic method for refunding Umrah visa applicants through their local agents has been prepared for processing of the payments.

Therefore it urges those with legitimate claims to contact their travel agents for retrieval of their dues.

In view of the above, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON urges those who have paid for the Umrah through Licensed Tour Operators to keep in touch with their operators for collection of their monies when released by the Kingdom.

The Commission further urges those who subsequently encounter problems collecting their refunds to lodge complaints with the Commission through post to NAHCON’s Commissioner Operations through Head, Inspectorate and Compliance, Zakariya Maimalari Street, Hajj House, Abuja or by physical appearance at the Hajj House, NAHCON headquarters.

All claims must be accompanied with valid documents and evidence of transaction with the registered operator. 

It would be recalled that the Commission has always cautioned Umrah hopefuls to transact directly with only tour operators dully registered with the Commission in case of breach of contract or similar situations that may warrant recovery of funds.

Similarly, the Commission encourages intending pilgrims whether for Umrah or Hajj under private arrangements to sign agreements on the types of package they are paying for.

This package should indicate the category of services being paid for and other terms and conditions of engagement.  

NAHCON is a regulator committed to protecting the rights of its stakeholders, whether the customer or the service providers/operators. 

For enquiries, please contact the phone lines given below:

Inspectorate and Compliance, NAHCON: 08033826429

Visa and Consular Section, NAHCON: 07033701605

Fatima Sanda Usara,

Head, Public Affairs,

NAHCON For Chairman/CEO

Yoruba

Àjọ W.H.O. f’amonran síta lórí ìtànkalẹ Kokoro Covid-19

By Web News 819

Àjọ eleto ìlera lagbaye, WHO s’ọpe àwọn owó ta ń ná nílè yíì leè mú ki atankale kokoro Coronavirus rugogo si. 

Nitori naa won pe fun iduna-dura èyítí kise atowodowo owó. 

Bakana wọ́n tún fìdí rẹ múlẹ̀ pé ó ṣe pàtàkì kí àṣà owó fifo lẹ́yìn dídi owó mú jẹ́ oun tí a gbodo mú lókunkúndùn. 

Nítorípé kòkòrò yí leè lè mọ nkan fún òpó ọjọ. 

Yẹmisi Dada/Kẹmi Ogunkọla

Foreign

Senegal Confirms Second Coronavirus Case

By Web News 759

A second person in Senegal has tested positive for Coronavirus, the country’s health ministry confirms.

It says the patient is an 80-year-old French national who arrived in the West African country on 29 February.

He is being treated at the same hospital for infectious diseases in the capital city, Dakar, where another Frenchman was hospitalised for Coronavirus last week.

News of this second confirmed case in Senegal brings the total number of confirmed cases on the African continent to 12.

Other countries with patients who tested positive for the virus are Algeria – five people; Egypt- two people; Morocco – one person; Nigeria – one person and Tunisia – one person.

Senegal is one of the 33 sub-Saharan African nations with testing facilities for Coronavirus. The authorities say they are well prepared to deal with the virus.

On Monday the World Health Organization, WHO, told the BBC it expects the remaining 14 sub-Saharan nations currently without testing equipment to gain facilities within a fortnight.

BBC NEWS

Lifestyle

Coronavirus: Akure Residents Harp on Proper Hygiene

By Web News 664

With the emergence of coronavirus in Nigeria, there have been anxiety among Nigerians and lots of sensitization on how people can stay safe from the virus.

In this special report, Radio Nigeria correspondent, Oluwatosin Ighoteguono looks at the disposition of people to the news and its effect on certain medical items.

Oluwatosin Ighoteguono

Health

Coronavirus: Oyo SUBEB Collaborates With Health Sector

By Web News 770

Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB is to collaborate with the State’s health sector for adequate precautionary measures against Coronavirus in Public primary schools in the state.

The Executive Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Nureni Adeniran stated this during a meeting with the Commissioner of Health, Dr Bashir Bello in his office.

He called for increased awareness among parents and pupils on the need to prevent the spread of the virus, urging them to take proactive steps on their children’s health. 

Dr Adeniran who said adequate sensitization on the importance and benefits of proper hygiene, including how to prevent Corona virus, is the primary aim of the Board, added that the board would collaborate with key health agencies in the State.

Also speaking, the Commissioner of Health, Dr Bello promised to work with the Board to ensure precautionary measures such as the use of wash-hand basins in classes were mandated.

He also called on schools to immediately report any child with symptoms, like cough and catarrh to any State Government health facility.

Iyabo Adebisi

Foreign

WHO Chief: Coronavirus Cases Exceeds 90,000 Worldwide

By Web News 642

The head of the World Health Organization, WHO said that public health officials are operating in “uncharted territory” as they combat the spread of the novel Coronavirus, which has infected more than 90,000 people across 73 countries and territories.

The virus has spread to every continent except Antarctica, since it was first identified in December last year in the central Chinese city of Wuhan.

Medical workers are now battling deadly outbreak clusters in South Korea, Iran and Italy, while other countries are working furiously to avoid a similar fate by ensuring that  public health authorities are fully prepared, alerting their citizens and enacting travel restrictions to affected areas.

To date, there have been 172 deaths reported outside mainland China, raising the global death toll to 3,115.

Several nations that have seen cases are putting in place measures to limit the spread of the virus by closing schools, encouraging remote work and canceling or scaling back public events, just to name a few.

The WHO has so far held off on classifying the incident as a global pandemic, but has warned of its possibility in the near future.

“We have never before seen a respiratory pathogen that is capable of community transmission, but which can also be contained with the right measures,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the global health watchdog.

Investors are also bracing for the possibility that the spread of COVID-19, as the virus is formally known, could throw the global economy into recession. Its spread in China, the world’s second-biggest economy and a major manufacturer, was followed by factory closures that severely impacted global supply chains.

At least 80,151 cases have been identified in mainland China to date, killing 2,943 people.

Also, the United States has seen an uptick in cases, with more than 100 infections now identified after a surge of new patients in Washington state, where six people have been killed. Four of the people who died were residents of a nursing care facility in Kirkland, in suburban Seattle, eliciting concerns that the virus may have spread within Washington in recent days or weeks. Washington remains the only state in the US where the spread of the virus has resulted in fatalities.

The new cases have prompted private companies to take their own proactive measures. Twitter is asking its employees to work from home, Carnival Cruise lines is changing some of its itineraries and the NBA is asking its players to avoid taking items from fans to autograph and offer strangers fist-bumps instead of high-fives.

However, Federal public health authorities have issued several calls for calm. US Surgeon General, Dr. Jerome Adams said the government “knew this was coming.” “Caution is appropriate. Preparedness is appropriate. Panic is not,” he said.

CNN

Health

Only Italian has Covid-19 in Nigeria – Health Minister

By Web News 701

The Federal Ministry of Health says the contact tracing of persons suspected to have contracted the covid19 from the Italian have tested Negative.

The Minister of Health Dr Osagie Ehanire made this known to journalists in Abuja.

Dr Ehanire explained that about 14 persons have so far been traced to have had contact with the index case.

Out of the 156 passengers on board with the Italian, the minister explained that 19 contacts in Lagos and 39 in Ogun have been contacted and are currently under supervised self-isolation.

The Minister stressed that so far only the Italian has the Covid19 in the country.

Globally Covid19 cases have risen 87,139 out of which 95% are from China.

Nancy Anika

Health

Coronavirus: Ogun Launches Android App

By Web News 939

The Ogun State Government has launched a mobile application to enhance information dissemination among health workers.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, who made this known at the Emergency Operation Committee held on Sunday in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, said the Android application was one of the measures to contain the Coronavirus incident.

Dr Coker said that the mobile device christened “CommCare” will serve as one resource for information about case definition and will help health workers at the primary health center to easily do risk assessment before it escalate.

The Commissioner pointed out that the application has been rolled out at Ewekoro Local Government area to enhance the activities of health workers.

Dr Coker revealed that the application would be deployed for use in two other priority areas, including, Ado-Odo/Ota and Ifo Local Government areas respectively, given the volume of industrial activities in their locality.

The Executive Secretary, Ogun State Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr. Elijah Ogunsola, in a remark, commended the ministry of Health for coming up with the initiative of having a mobile application that will aid health workers at this crucial moment.

He assured that all primary health centers will use the mobile application to alert the State of any form of emergency.

Health

Coronavirus: Ogun Govt. Activates Emergency Operation Committee

By Web News 861

Ogun State Government has activated an Emergency Operation Committee to manage developments that may arise from the reported case of Coronavirus.

The Committee, which is headed by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, comprises staffers of the State Ministry of Health, Hospital Management Board, Representatives of Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and representatives of Federal Medical Center (FMC), Abeokuta.

Briefing newsmen at the end of the meeting, Commissioner for health, Dr. Tomi Coker said that the multidisciplinary committee will meet daily and update the general public about any development.

The committee consists of seven sub-committee, including Risk Communication and Mobilisation, Surveillance, Case Management, Infection Prevention Control ( IPC),  Central Coordination/Planning and  Logistics/ Finance.

The Commissioner said that an Emergency Operation Center had been opened at Block C within the State Secretariat to attend to issues relating to the outbreak.

Reassuring residents on efforts made so far on containing the outbreak of Convid-19, Dr. Coker called on the public not to panic and ignore panic messages advising individuals to maintain personal hygiene and avoid contact with whoever has a fever by five feet.

Wale Oloukoun