Over 50 vaccine trials on-going for COVID-19-W.H.O

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says  there are more than 50 trials for a vaccine on COVID-19.

When she appeared on a Channels Television programme on Tuesday,  Fiona Braka, country officer for WHO in Nigeria, said there is also a multi-country trial for a drug for the virus.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in December, at least 828,000 persons have so far been infected while more than 40,700 have died.

Most of the 174,000 persons who have recovered from the infection did so as a result of a strong immune system and absence of underlying health conditions.

Braka said while there is no vaccine for the disease yet, WHO is fast-tracking the process of producing one.

She said: “We currently have over 50 vaccine trials that are in place, trying to work round the clock to fast-track the vaccine development process, and we continue to keep countries informed of that process.

“When it comes to treatment, WHO is leading a multi-country clinical trial. So far, 45 countries have signed up for that.”

The WHO country director added that what is being adopted is a “solidarity trial” that would “test different drugs in four different arms against the normal standard of care we are currently implementing.”

According to The Guardian, at least four companies have begun testing the efficacy of their vaccines for the COVID-19 in animals, with a trial in humans expected to commence soon.

Nigeria records 20 new coronavirus cases toll rises to 131

Nigeria has recorded 20 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 131.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) disclosed this in a tweet on Monday evening.

The new cases are spread across Lagos, Kaduna, Oyo and the federal capital territory.

More to follow

Coronavirus:Nigeria records second death

Nigeria has recorded another death from the cornavirus outbreak.

Osagie Ehanire, minister of health, disclosed this during the presidential task force briefing on COVID-19, on Monday, in Abuja

Details later....

Just In: Five coronavirus patients discharged in Lagos

The Lagos state government has discharged five coronavirus patients at Infectious Disease Centre, Yaba.

The patients were discharged on Monday.

Earlier, the government had announced that six of the patients had recovered and would be discharged soon.

The total number of those who have recovered is now eight.

Amidst coronavirus crisis heavy truck falls on shops in Lagos

A heavy loaded truck with 600bags of flour mill yesterday crashed on shops and tricycle leaving nobody injured.

Speaking at the scene in Ogba, Lagos an eyewitness said "I am grateful to God no life was lost, because three children just left the exact spot the scenario happened.

I own a pharmaceutical store which is the second shop the truck collapsed in front of the extension.
The owner of the tricycle at the scene explained that the tricycle as a result of the incident got damaged beyond repair.

Speaking further he said, Although I was not there when it happened but because the tricycle got damaged beyond repair I implore the owner of the goods to get me a new tricycle as my daily income depends on it.

The last shop owner, identified herself as Temitope, who was grateful to God for complying to Lagos State Government order on social distancing said the coronavirus, isolation order  saved her a life.

"I was hurriedly called upon and I am grateful to God quarantine made me stay at home, if not I would have probably lost one of my sales girl who likes to sit at the spot that was really affected by the truck.

The Divisional Transportation Officer, Anchor, of pencinema, police station was still there trying to resolve issues as at 10pm.

Said "our job is to take the truck to our station and we urge the victims to cost the losses as a result of the incident to fight for justice for them but failure for the owner of the flour mills to comply financially we will charge him to court.

Residents, clamoured a quick restoration of their transformer as the truck fell on the transformer which left them in blackout.

Our correspondent at the scene of the accident today said that nothing has been done to the light, the shops affected and the parked tricycle, popularly known keke-naped, from a confirmed affected source.

BREAKING: Davido Goes Into Self-Isolation As Fiancée, Chioma Tests Positive For COVID-19

Nigerian music star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido says he has gone into self-isolation.

He explained that he took the decision after his fiancée, Chioma, tested positive to coronavirus (COVID-19).

The music star announced this on Friday via his verified Twitter handle.

Details later…

Health Commissioner says, Coronavirus cases in lagos may rise to 39,000

Akin Abayomi, Lagos state commissioner for health, says the state may see up to 39,000 cases of COVID-19 in a worst-case scenario.

Abayomi spoke at a media briefing in Lagos, on Friday.

As of Thursday, Nigeria has a total of 65 coronavirus cases with Lagos having the highest number of cases — 44.

Comparing the number of confirmed cases with figures in existence in other parts of the world, he said the state is definitely “doing something right” as it has been able to contain and limit the spread of the disease.

He said with social distancing, the figure could be limited to 13,000 cases.

“Our mathematical modelling shows that the worst-case scenario is that we may see up to 39,000 cases in Lagos,” Abayomi said.

If we add social distancing to active contact tracing, then we will be able to bend the curve further.”

“The figures may seem alarming at this point, but this is just to emphasise to the Lagos community to follow instructions of the incident commander to make sure that we practise social distancing.

“Looking at the same timeframe from the introduction of the index case, you can see that Lagos state is not seen anywhere near what Spain, Italy and Iran are showing.

“So, at weeks two and three of our index case, we are flat and at week four, we have 37 cases; while at the same fourth week, Italy, Iran and Spain had more than 20,000 cases.

“So, we are doing something right in the state. Then if we continue to do that, we will remain on the lower trajectory.

“It shows we are keeping the curve flat which is allowing us to keep up with the number of cases we have so far.”

Buhari's aide tests positive for coronavirus

An aide of President Muhammadu Buhari (names withheld) has tested positive to Coronavirus (COVID-19), the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, announced today, Thursday, March 26, 2020.

The minister made the announcement during a press briefing in Abuja, the Nigerian capital. He was, however, silent on the identity of the presidential aide but disclosed that he is presently undergoing treatment.

Earlier in the week, there were reports that Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, had tested positive to COVID-19 while President Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo tested negative. The reports were neither confirmed nor denied.

Celebrities who may likely tests positive for Covid-19 after AMVCA, 2Baba, Mercy Aigbe, Pretty Mike

Akin Abayomi, Lagos state commissioner of  health, on Tuesday, announced that all participants at this year’s African Magic viewers’ Choice Award (AMVCA) may have been exposed to deadly coronavirus.

The 2020 AMVCA — held on March 14 — had left several fears in its trail after unconfirmed reports suggested one of the celebrities who attended the annual event showed symptoms of COVID-19.

The yet-to-be identified individual was said to have initially turned down entreaties to report himself to the appropriate quarters. He, however, reportedly submitted himself for test later.

Reacting to the development, the health commissioner had warned those who were in attendance that they are likely to have come in contact with the confirmed case.

“I hereby notify you that all participants at the African Magic viewers’ Choice Award (AMVCA) held on14th March at @EkoHotels may have come in contact with one of the confirmed cases in Lagos and are most likely to have been exposed to #COVID19 Infection,” he had announced on Twitter.

LSMOH

✔@LSMOH

#COVID19 Lagos Alert!
I hereby notify you that all participants at the African Magic Viewers’ Choice Award (AMVCA) held on14th March at @EkoHotels may have come in contact with one of the confirmed cases in Lagos and
are most likely to have been exposed to #COVID19 Infection.

Bauchi Governor, Bala, tests positive for coronavirus

The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has tested positive to coronavirus (COVID-19).

The governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mukhtar Gidado, announced this in a statement on Tuesday.

This comes a day after the governor took the test after he had contact with the son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, was confirmed to have been infected with the virus.

Governor Mohammed had returned to Bauchi from an official trip to Lagos after he met with Atiku’s son on the plane where both men shook hands and exchanged pleasantries.

Commissioner says AMVCA participants may have been exposed to coronavirus

Akin Abayomi, Lagos state commissioner of health, says those who attended the African Magic viewers’ Choice Award (AMVCA) held at Eko Hotels, Lagos on March 14 may have been exposed to coronavirus infection.

The commissioner said this in a tweet on Tuesday afternoon.

“I hereby notify you that all participants at the African Magic viewers’ Choice Award (AMVCA) held on14th March at @EkoHotelsmay have come in contact with one of the confirmed cases in Lagos and are most likely to have been exposed to #COVID19Infection,” he tweeted.

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After customer dies of coronavirus Ecobank wuse II branch shuts down branch

Ecobank Plc says it temporarily closed its Wuse II branch in Abuja because Suleiman Achimugu, who died of coronavirus, visited the branch.

Achimugu, a former managing director of the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), died on Monday. He is the first case of death from COVID-19 recorded in Nigeria

According to a statement by the bank, Achimugu visited the branch on March 12 but did not show any symptoms at the time of the visit.

The bank also said all its staff at the branch have been put on mandatory self-isolation.

“The COVID-19 outbreak is a global pandemic. Nigeria, very sadly, this morning recorded its first death, which unfortunately is one of our valued customers. Our most sincere condolences to the family,” the statement read.

“Our attention has been drawn to the fact that the deceased was at our Wuse I, Abuja Branch on 12 March 2020, twelve days ago. The deceased did not show any symptom at the time of the visit.

In line with best standards and out COVID-19 response plans, we have, therefore, immediately temporarily closed the branch and all staff at the location have been put in mandatory self-isolation for 14 days, in full compliance with the Nigeria Center for Disease Control guidelines and to ensure their wellbeing and those at our customers. We have promptly informed the NCDC.”

The bank asked customers who have visited the branch since march 12 to take the necessary precautions.

“We are further requesting, through this communication, that anyone who visited the branch between 12 March 2020 and now should take the necessary mandatory recommended step of self-isolation for 14 days and contact the NCDC. Should any of these persons feel sick or exhibit any symptoms do immediately call NCDC on 0800 970000 10 (Toll-Free Call Centre) for assistance and guidance,” it said.

Access Bank Plc also temporarily closed its Ligali Ayorinde branch in Lagos after a customer who visited the branch on March 16 tested positive for the virus.

Nigeria currently has 42 confirmed cases of coronavirus. Lagos has 29 cases, Abuja has seven, Ogun has 3 cases, Ekiti has one, Oyo has one, and Edo has one.

Anxiety in Aso Rock, as Buhari's Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari tests positive to Coronavirus

Abba Kyari, chief of staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, has tested positive for coronavirus days after returning from an official trip to Germany, TheCable has learnt.

Newsmen understands that he ran the test on Saturday based on medical advice, although he was not exhibiting any symptoms.

The result came back on Monday positive and he has gone into self-isolation as the symptoms are yet to manifest, TheCable learnt.

Following his result, Buhari was also advised to run a test but he was negative, Aso Rock sources told TheCable.

Alongside a minister, Buhari’s chief of staff had attended a meeting in Germany with officials of Siemens to discuss issues relating to the Nigerian power sector.

Reports of Kyari’s status of status of COVID-19 was disclosed after the federal executive council meeting was suspended indefinitely.

It is not clear if the development made the federal government to suspend the weekly meetings.

A letter Kyari wrote to the status of COVID-19 was disclosed after the federal executive council meeting was suspended indefinitely.

It is not clear if the development made the federal government to suspend the weekly meetings.

A letter Kyari wrote to the status of COVID-19 was disclosed after the federal executive council meeting was suspended indefinitely.

It is not clear if the development made the federal government to suspend the weekly meetings.

A letter Kyari wrote to  the leadership of the national assembly on how federal lawmakers returning from overseas trips were allegedly evading screening had gone viral earlier on Monday.

Nigeria currently has 40 cases of coronavirus.

Pressmen had reported about the anxiety at the presidential villa in Abuja over the self-isolation of Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi.

The governor went into self-isolation after shaking hands with Mohammed Atiku, one of the sons of Nigeria’s former vice-president, who tested positive for the virus.

The presidency is yet to comment on the COVID-19 status of Kyari and health authorities have also not spoken about it.

But on Monday night, the Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) confirmed a coronavirus case in Abuja.

1. It is unclear if is the case of Kyari that the NCDC report

Just In:Four new coronavirus cases in Lagos, Abuja — 40 patients in Nigeria

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Nigeria has risen from 36 to 40.

The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) disclosed this on Monday.

According to the centre, three of the cases were recorded in Lagos while one was recorded in the federal capital territory (FCT) Abuja.

“Four new cases of #COVID19 have been confirmed in Nigeria. 3 are in Lagos State and 1 in FCT. Two of these cases are returning travellers. As at 11:00pm on the 23rd of March, there are 40 confirmed cases of #COVID19 in Nigeria. 2 have been discharged with 1 death recorded,” the tweet read.

NCDC

✔@NCDCgov

Four new cases of #COVID19 have been confirmed in Nigeria. 3 are in Lagos State and 1 in FCT

Two of these cases are returning travellers

As at 11:00pm on the 23rd of March, there are 40 confirmed cases of #COVID19 in Nigeria. 2 have been discharged with 1 death recorded

2,224

11:02 PM - Mar 23, 2020

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Covid-19:NUPENG Urges Staff To Embrace Personal Hygiene

 

The National Leadership of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has called on all members and staff of the Union to embrace safety precautions and also maintain social distancing so as to minimize the spread of the deadly Coronavirus Pandemic.

The Union understands this is a stressful time and people want to know what they can do right now to protect themselves and their families, we therefore use this medium to encourage everyone to follow the directives laid down by both State and Federal authorities in the health sectors.

We also urge all employers in the oil and gas industry to provide enough safety gears and create a conducive safe environment.

Additionally, we also urge employers to ensure that workers in various oil and gas installations across the country maintain high safety standards as well as safe and hygienic environment without compromise in the interest of all and sundry to engender more productive and healthy workforce. 

BREAKING: ASUU begins indefinite strike https://t.co/77N2153jcB

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has commenced an indefinite strike.
The union’s President, Biodun Ogunyemi, at a press briefing in its National Secretariat in Abuja on Monday, noted that the Federal Government had failed to address the issues raised by its members.
Details shortly…..

Nigeria records first death from coronavirus

Nigeria has recorded its first death from coronavirus.

The victim, Suleiman Achumugu, former managing director of the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), died at 2am on Monday.

The deceased, an indigene of Kogi state, was said to have returned from the United Kingdom two weeks ago.

He was said to have started exhibiting the symptoms of the virus on Tuesday and the case was reported to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) who took his blood specimen for a test.

He tested positive and was evacuated to the specialist hospital, Gwagwalada in Abuja but died while receiving treatment.

According to a source, his family members reportedly under quarantine in their house.

• More to follow…