₦airaland Forum

1031 new cases of #COVID19Nigeria;
Lagos-570
FCT-117
Kaduna-109
Nasarawa-34
Bauchi-31
Kano-28
Plateau-26
Sokoto-26
Ogun-25
Edo-18
Rivers-16
Abia-10
Imo-7
Taraba-6
Delta-4
Osun-4

Highlights
On the 31st of December 2020, 1031 new confirmed cases and 11 deaths were recorded in Nigeria
Till date, 87510 cases have been confirmed, 73713 cases have been discharged and 1289 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory
The 1031 new cases are reported from 16 states- Lagos (570), FCT (117), Kaduna (109), Nasarawa (34), Bauchi (31), Kano (28), Plateau (26), Sokoto (26), Ogun (25), Edo (18), Rivers (16), Abia (10), Imo (7), Taraba (6), Delta (4) and Osun (4)
A multi-sectoral national emergency operations centre (EOC), activated at Level 3, continues to coordinate the national response activities

December 30 https://www.nairaland.com/6338611/covid-19-update-december-30-2020

The United Kingdom is releasing £47 million in aid to provide food, nutrition, water and shelter for vulnerable families in nine countries and regions.

It said £7m of the funding will be made available in Nigeria through the World Food Programme and is estimated to reach 430,000 individuals with unconditional food assistance and nutrition support for 108 days.

This was contained in a statement on Thursday, by the Deputy British High Commission, titled, ‘COVID-19: UK pledges an extra £47 million of aid for families hit by hunger around the world including £7m to Nigeria.’

It noted that new United Nations data revealed that humanitarian crises were worsening around the world, with 235 million people expected to require urgent assistance compared to 175m people at the start of 2020.

The statement said food, nutrition, water, childhood vaccinations and shelter are all urgently needed to help families in some of the largest humanitarian crises around the world.

“An increasing number of Nigerians affected by the conflict in the north are suffering acute food insecurity with malnutrition rates worryingly high,” the commission noted.

The UK said it was lobbying international donors to provide more funding and calling for all conflict parties to allow safe, sustained, and unhindered humanitarian access to all people in need of assistance; including 1.24m people the UN estimated are living in areas currently inaccessible to humanitarian actors due to insecurity in the North-East.

It stated, “The number of people in need of humanitarian assistance in northeast Nigeria is also increasing, having risen to 8.9 million people as we enter 2021.

“Over 3.4m are living in acute food insecurity at crisis or worse levels in NE Nigeria, including 1.2m living in areas that are inaccessible areas due to insecurity. This is set to increase to 5m people in the next lean season (June–August 2021) if immediate mitigating actions are not taken.”

The UK is the second-largest humanitarian donor to Nigeria, providing £85m in lifesaving assistance in 2020/21 alone, as part of an overall £258m of UK development funding in Nigeria.

It noted that the UN Humanitarian Response Plan remains significantly underfunded and access remains a major obstacle.

The statement explained that the UK Special Envoy for Humanitarian Affairs, Nick Dyer, during his visit to Nigeria in November, urged the government, the UN and the international community for increased collective action to mitigate the deteriorating food insecurity and to address humanitarian access and protection of civilians concerns.

Commenting on the pledge, the UK Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab said, “Hundreds of millions of people living in the world’s largest humanitarian crises are struggling to survive, threatened by conflict, starvation and coronavirus.

1,016 new cases of #COVID19Nigeria;
Lagos-434
FCT-155
Plateau-94
Kaduna-56
Rivers-56
Oyo-30
Nasarawa-27
Zamfara-25
Abia-22
Enugu-18
Kano-18
Bayelsa-15
Edo-14
Ogun-11
Borno-10
Ebonyi-10
Jigawa-7
Anambra-4
Delta-3
Niger-3
Osun-3

Highlights
On the 30th of December 2020, 1016 new confirmed cases and 11 deaths were recorded in Nigeria
Till date, 86576 cases have been confirmed, 73322 cases have been discharged and 1278 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory
The 1016 new cases are reported from 21 states- Lagos (434), FCT (155), Plateau (94), Kaduna (56), Rivers (56), Oyo (30), Nasarawa (27), Zamfara (25), Abia (22), Enugu (18), Kano (18), Bayelsa (15), Edo (14), Ogun (11), Borno (10), Ebonyi (, Jigawa (7), Anambra (4), Delta (3), Niger (3), Akwa Ibom (3) and Osun (3)
A multi-sectoral national emergency operations centre (EOC), activated at Level 3, continues to coordinate the national response activities

Our discharges today include 537 community recoveries in FCT, 459 in Lagos State and 78 in Plateau State managed in line with guidelines.

December 29
https://www.nairaland.com/6337007/covid-19-update-december-29-2020

Luke Letlow, Louisiana’s incoming Republican member of the U.S. House, died Tuesday night from complications related to COVID-19 only days before he would have been sworn into office. He was 41.

Letlow spokesman Andrew Bautsch confirmed the congressman-elect’s death at Ochsner-LSU Health Shreveport.

“The family appreciates the numerous prayers and support over the past days but asks for privacy during this difficult and unexpected time,” Bautsch said in a statement. “A statement from the family along with funeral arrangements will be announced at a later time.”

Louisiana’s eight-member congressional delegation called Letlow’s death devastating.

“Luke had such a positive spirit, and a tremendously bright future ahead of him. He was looking forward to serving the people of Louisiana in Congress, and we were excited to welcome him to our delegation where he was ready to make an even greater impact on our state and our nation,” they said in a statement.

The state’s newest congressman, set to take office in January, was admitted to a Monroe hospital on Dec. 19 after testing positive for the coronavirus disease. He was later transferred to the Shreveport facility and placed in intensive care.

Dr. G.E. Ghali, of LSU Health Shreveport, told The Advocate that Letlow didn’t have any underlying health conditions that would have placed him at greater risk to COVID-19.

Letlow, from the small town of Start in Richland Parish, was elected in a December runoff election for the sprawling 5th District U.S. House seat representing central and northeastern regions of the state, including the cities of Monroe and Alexandria.

He was to fill the seat being vacated by his boss, Republican Ralph Abraham. Letlow had been Abraham’s chief of staff and ran with Abraham’s backing for the job.

Gov. John Bel Edwards urged people to pray for Letlow’s family.

“COVID-19 has taken Congressman-elect Letlow from us far too soon,” the Democratic governor said in a statement. “I am heartbroken that he will not be able to serve our people as a U.S. representative, but I am even more devastated for his loving family.”

Letlow is survived by his wife, Julia Barnhill Letlow, and two children.

U.S. House leaders offered their condolences Tuesday night.

“May it be a comfort to Luke’s wife Julia and their children Jeremiah and Jacqueline that so many mourn their loss and are praying for them at this sad time,” said House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy said: “Our hearts break tonight as we process the news of Congressman-elect Luke Letlow’s passing.”

Before working for Abraham, Letlow had worked for former Gov. Bobby Jindal’s administration. Jindal’s one-time chief of staff, Timmy Teepell, described Letlow on Twitter as “a good man with a kind heart and a passion to serve. He loved Louisiana and his family. He was a brother and I’m heart broken he’s gone.”

Letlow is one of more than 7,000 people in Louisiana who have died from COVID-19 since March, according to data from the state health department.

When he announced his positive test for COVID-19, Letlow joined a list of Louisiana officials who have contracted the coronavirus since the pandemic began, including U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, Attorney General Jeff Landry, Treasurer John Schroder, U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson and U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond.

Cassidy, a Republican and doctor who tested positive for COVID-19 earlier this year and has since recovered, posted in a Twitter video: “It just, just, just, just brings home COVID can kill. For most folks it doesn’t, but it truly can. So, as you remember Luke, his widow, his children in your prayers, remember as well to be careful with COVID.”

749 new cases of #COVID19Nigeria;
Lagos-299
Plateau-131
Kaduna-83
FCT-74
Kwara-35
Sokoto-26
Edo-18
Kano-17
Katsina-16
Delta-11
Nasarawa-10
Ondo-9
Bauchi-9
Rivers-5
Akwa Ibom-3
Jigawa-1
Osun-1
Ekiti-1

Highlights
On the 29th of December 2020, 749 new confirmed cases and 3 deaths were recorded in Nigeria
Till date, 85560 cases have been confirmed, 71937 cases have been discharged and 1267 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory
The 749 new cases are reported from 19 states- Lagos (299), Plateau (131), Kaduna (83), FCT (74), Kwara (35), Sokoto (26), Edo (18), Kano (17), Katsina (16), Delta (11), Nasarawa (10), Ondo (9), Bauchi (9), Rivers (5), Akwa Ibom (3), Jigawa (1), Osun (1) and Ekiti (1)
A multi-sectoral national emergency operations centre (EOC), activated at Level 3, continues to coordinate the national response activities

Our discharges today include 279 community recoveries in Lagos State and 106 community recoveries in FCT managed in line with guidelines.

December 28 https://www.nairaland.com/6335517/covid-19-update-december-28-2020

397 new cases of #COVID19Nigeria;
Lagos-144
Plateau-83
Kaduna-48
Adamawa-36
Rivers-22
Oyo-16
Kebbi-10
Nasarawa-7
Sokoto-7
FCT-5
Kano-5
Edo-4
Jigawa-3
Ogun-2
Akwa Ibom-2
Niger-1
Bauchi-1
Zamfara-1

Highlights
On the 28th of December 2020, 397 new confirmed cases and 10 deaths were recorded in Nigeri
Till date, 84811 cases have been confirmed, 71357 cases have been discharged and 1264 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory
The 397 new cases are reported from 18 states- Lagos (144), Plateau (83), Kaduna (48), Adamawa (36), Rivers (22), Oyo (16), Kebbi (10), Nasarawa (7), Sokoto (7), FCT (5), Kano (5), Edo (4), Jigawa (3), Ogun (2), Akwa Ibom (2), Niger (1) , Bauchi (1), and Zamfara (1)
A multi-sectoral national emergency operations centre (EOC), activated at Level 3, continues to coordinate the national response activities

Our discharges today includes 152 community recoveries in Lagos State managed in line with guidelines.

December 27 https://www.nairaland.com/6334045/covid-19-update-december-27-2020

838 new cases of #COVID19Nigeria;
FCT-297
Lagos-253
Plateau-82
Kaduna-57
Katsina-32
Nasarawa-31
Kano-25
Gombe-24
Oyo-8
Rivers-8
Zamfara-7
Ogun-4
Bauchi-4
Edo-4
Anambra-1
Sokoto-1

Highlights
On the 27th of November 2020, 838 new confirmed cases and 7 deaths were recorded in Nigeria
Till date, 84414 cases have been confirmed, 71034 cases have been discharged and 1254 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory
The 838 new cases are reported from 16 states- FCT (297), Lagos (253), Plateau (82), Kaduna (57), Katsina (32), Nasarawa (31), Kano (25), Gombe (24), Oyo (, Rivers (, Zamfara (7), Ogun (4), Bauchi (4), Edo (4), Anambra (1) and Sokoto (1)
A multi-sectoral national emergency operations centre (EOC), activated at Level 3, continues to coordinate the national response activities

December 26 https://www.nairaland.com/6332828/covid-19-update-december-26-2020

Bill Gates, a co-founder of Microsoft and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), has said he does not understand why coronavirus numbers have not been as high as predicted in Africa.

Recall that Gates and his wife, Melinda, had in more than one occasion, warned that there will be dead bodies all over the streets of Africa if the world does not act fast enough.

Melinda said her heart was in Africa, adding that she is worried that the continent might not be able to handle the devastating effect of the virus.

But in his end of the year note, Bill said he was happy his prediction about Africa has not happened, “One thing I’m happy to have been wrong about—at least, I hope I was wrong—is my fear that Covid-19 would run rampant in low-income countries. So far, this hasn’t been true,” he wrote.

In most of sub-Saharan Africa, for example, case rates and death rates remain much lower than in the U.S. or Europe and on par with New Zealand, which has received so much attention for its handling of the virus.

“The hardest-hit country on the continent is South Africa—but even there, the case rate is 40 percent lower than in the US, and the death rate is nearly 50 percent lower.

“We don’t have enough data yet to understand why the numbers aren’t as high as I worried they would get — but gave probable reasons Africa was not as affected as expected.”

Meanwhile, Nigeria is currently fighting the second wave of the coronavirus.

The Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 had last week announced a second wave of the dreaded virus.

The Federal Government on Tuesday directed civil servants from grade level 12 and below to stay at home.

They are to remain at home for five weeks following the second wave of the Covid-19 disease in Nigeria.

829 new cases of #COVID19Nigeria;
Lagos-296
FCT-291
Kaduna-79
Rivers-40
Kano-35
Nasarawa-25
Bauchi-19
Benue-8
Borno-7
Edo-7
Oyo-7
Sokoto-7
Cross River-3
Jigawa-
Ogun-2

Highlights
On the 26th of December 2020, 829 new confirmed cases and 1 death was recorded in Nigeria
Till date, 83576 cases have been confirmed, 70495 cases have been discharged and 1247 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory
The 829 new cases are reported from 15 states- Lagos (296), FCT (291), Kaduna (79), Rivers (40), Kano (35), Nasarawa (25), Bauchi (19), Benue (, Borno (7), Edo (7), Oyo (7), Sokoto (7), Cross River (3), Jigawa (3), and Ogun (2)
A multi-sectoral national emergency operations centre (EOC), activated at Level 3, continues to coordinate the national response activities

Our discharges today include 113 community recoveries in Lagos State and 92 community recoveries in Kaduna State managed in line with guidelines.

December 25 https://www.nairaland.com/6331570/covid-19-update-december-25-2020

France recorded its first case of the new variant of coronavirus, as the number of cases and deaths from COVID-19 mounted in the country, increasing concerns of a new wave of the virus hitting the euro zone’s second-biggest economy.

The French health ministry said a Frenchman who recently arrived back in France from London had tested positive for the new variant of the coronavirus.

The ministry said the case - the first in France - had been found in the city of Tours. The man in question arrived from London on Dec. 19. He was currently self-isolating and felt alright, the ministry added.

British Health Secretary Matt Hancock had said on Dec. 14 that a spike in COVID cases in the United Kingdom might have been linked to the new variant of the virus in the country.

Hancock said more than 1,000 cases of the new variant had been identified, mainly in southeastern England.

Countries around the world have in recent days closed their borders to both Britain and South Africa following the identification of cases of the new, fast-spreading variant of the coronavirus in those countries.

France registered 20,262 new, confirmed COVID-19 cases and 159 more related deaths in hospitals in the last 24 hours.

France’s number of confirmed COVID-19 cases now stands at 2,547,771 while its COVID-19 death toll stands at 62,427 - the seventh-highest in the world.

712 new cases of #COVID19Nigeria;
Lagos-388
FCT-77
Kwara-39
Katsina-35
Bauchi-33
Plateau-22
Ogun-18
Akwa Ibom-16
Delta-13
Kaduna-12
Osun-12
Yobe-11
Sokoto-10
Kebbi-8
Enugu-6
Edo-5
Ondo-3
Niger-2
Kano-1
Oyo-1

Highlights
On the 25th of December 2020, 712 new confirmed cases and 4 deaths were recorded in Nigeria

The 712 new cases are reported from 20 states- Lagos (388), FCT (77), Kwara (39), Katsina (35), Bauchi (33), Plateau (22), Ogun (18), Akwa Ibom (16), Delta (13), Kaduna (12), Osun (12), Yobe (11), Sokoto (10), Kebbi (, Enugu (6), Edo (5), Ondo (3), Niger (2), Kano (1), and Oyo (1)

Till date, 82747 cases have been confirmed, 70239 cases have been discharged and 1246 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory

A multi-sectoral national emergency operations centre (EOC), activated at Level 3, continues to coordinate the national response activities

Our discharges today include 248 community recoveries in Lagos State and 136 community recoveries in Kaduna State managed in line with guidelines.

December 24 https://www.nairaland.com/6330384/covid-19-update-december-24-2020

Manchester City FC can confirm that Gabriel Jesus, Kyle Walker, and two members of staff have tested positive for COVID-19.

All four personnel will now observe a period of self-isolation in accordance with Premier League and UK Government protocol on quarantine.

Everyone at the Club wishes our colleagues a speedy recovery over the Christmas period ahead of their return to work, training and competition.

The presidential task force (PTF) on COVID-19 says it will soon publish the passport numbers of 100 travelers who refused to undergo the mandatory COVID-19 test within seven days of returning to the country.

At its briefing on Thursday, the PTF said the holders of the passports will be suspended for a minimum of six months for flouting obligation to test.

During the last briefing, Boss Mustapha, chairman of the task force, had said a total of 20,216 in-bound travelers refused to show up for the post arrival test they signed up, thereby endangering members of the country.

He had said the PTF had concluded arrangements with the Nigeria Immigration Service ” to impose sanctions on these defaulters for breaching the public health protocols, within ambit of the law.”

1,133 new cases of #COVID19Nigeria;
Lagos-397
FCT-357
Kaduna-81
Plateau-63
Katsina-46
Sokoto-32
Oyo-28
Ogun-21
Kano-19
Rivers-18
Osun-13
Edo-12
Niger-12
Bayelsa-11
Borno-11
Bauchi-8
Jigawa-2
Ondo-2

Highlights
On the 23rd of December 2020, 1,133 new confirmed cases and 5 deaths were recorded in Nigeria.
Till date, 80,922 cases have been confirmed, 69,274 cases have been discharged and 1,236 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The 1,133 new cases are reported from 18 states- Lagos (397), FCT (357), Kaduna (81), Plateau (63), Katsina (46), Sokoto (32), Oyo (28), Ogun (21), Kano (19), Rivers (18), Osun (13), Edo (12), Niger (12), Bayelsa (11), Borno (11), Bauchi (, Jigawa (2), and Ondo (2)
A multi-sectoral national emergency operations centre (EOC), activated at Level 3, continues to coordinate the national response activities

Our discharges today include 134 community recoveries in Lagos State and 96 community recoveries in the FCT managed in line with guidelines.

December 22 https://www.nairaland.com/6327349/covid-19-update-december-22-2020

999 new cases of #COVID19Nigeria;
FCT-416
Lagos-324
Kaduna-68
Plateau-42
Kwara-32
Kano-24
Gombe-14
Sokoto-12
Yobe-12
Akwa Ibom-11
Bayelsa-10
Rivers-7
Bauchi-7
Ogun-6
Oyo-5
Edo-4
Taraba-4
Jigawa-1

Highlights
On the 22nd of December 2020, 999 new confirmed cases and 4 deaths were recorded in Nigeria
Till date, 79789 cases have been confirmed, 68879 cases have been discharged and 1231 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory
The 999 new cases are reported from 18 states- FCT (416), Lagos (324), Kaduna (68), Plateau (42), Kwara (32), Kano (24), Gombe (14), Sokoto (12), Yobe (12), Akwa Ibom (11), Bayelsa (10), Rivers (7), Bauchi (7), Ogun (6), Oyo (5), Edo (4), Taraba (4) and Jigawa (1)
A multi-sectoral national emergency operations centre (EOC), activated at Level 3, continues to coordinate the national response activities

December 21 https://www.nairaland.com/6325704/covid-19-update-december-21-2020

The new variant of the coronavirus currently causing panic and concern in the United Kingdom and the European Union has been identified in Nigeria by scientists at the Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), at the Redeemers University in Ede, Osun State.

The new variant, detected in the UK in September and dubbed “lineage B.1.1.7” has triggered the current exponential spike in the number of COVID-19 cases in the larger path of the United Kingdom, leading to a travel ban on the UK by some countries and a stay-at-home tier-4 level restriction in the affected parts of the country.

But scientists at the Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases at Ede, in South West Nigeria, said Monday, through a publication in Virological, a website for the global Genomics community, that they found the same variant “lineage B.1.1.7” existing in Osun State Nigeria since August 3rd when the first sample was collected.

Another sample, also from Osun State, collected in October, correspondingly showed the presence of the new variant.

According to Christian Happi, Professor of molecular biology and genomics who is also the Director at the Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), “the B.1.1.7 lineage we found in Nigeria, predating the one described in the UK, has also been observed to rise rapidly in the UK over the past four weeks, indicating the plausible increased spread of the virus by specific non-synonymous mutations in the spike protein.”

Should this be a case for panic and worry for Nigerians? Mr. Happi’s team made a case for caution, warning that although the new variant might not be responsible for the rise in cases, that could change when new samples are sequenced.

“At the moment, only about 1% of the genomes from Nigeria belong to the new SARS-CoV-2 variant (B.1.1.7 lineage) and one of them predates the first description in the UK. However, this might change in the next few weeks when we sequence more samples from the recently reported surge of covid-19 in Nigeria” they announced, noting that, “other reported mutations such as the N501Y, A570D, and the HV 69 – 70 deletion in the spike protein have not been detected in our genomes yet, this could also be associated with the non-increase of the lineage in Nigeria currently.”

“In as much as the full effect of this mutation isn’t known yet and it is still being studied, the importance of a robust genomic surveillance system cannot be overemphasized as we can identify and report changes in the genomes of pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 that are of public health interest,” the report said.

From the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Director General, Chikwe Ihekweazu, in a tweet on Sunday, said, “while we study data in Nigeria and await additional guidance from @WHO on new strains causing COVID19, travelers MUST implement travel protocol.”

Update on #COVID19 status of the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu

I am happy to inform you that the Governor of Lagos @jidesanwoolu is much better. He is however still in  isolation and receiving home based care.

We are waiting for a complete clearance of the virus so that Mr Governor can resume public activities.

We wish to thank Lagos residents and the general public for their prayers and well wishes for our dear Governor and Lagos State #COVID19 Incident Commander.

We urge residents to #Maskup, maintain #PhysicalDistancing and  #WashHands regularly.

If you observe any #COVID19 related  symptoms call 08000EKOMED = 08000356633

Let's keep safe from #COVID19 infection for #ForAGreaterLagos!

Anweh Damian, member of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), federal medical center (FMC) in Makurdi, Benue state, has died of COVID-19 complications.

The association announced his death in a statement signed by A.A. Uche, MDCAN secretary, FMC Makurdi, on Monday.

Uche said the physician died on Saturday of COVID-19 complications.

“It is with a heavy heart but total submission to God that we the members of MDCAN FMC Makurdi regret to announce the death of Dr Anweh Damian, consultant Family Physician. The sad event occurred on Saturday 18th December, 2020 following covid 19 complication. We pray that Almighty God will grant him eternal rest,” he said.

He said Damian was a special grade one consultant and consultant family physician at the federal medical centre.

So far, Nigeria has recorded 78,438 COVID-19 cases. While 68,303 patients have recovered, 1,221 people have died — according to figures by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

The world, Nigeria inclusive, is experiencing a second wave of the disease.

Belgium is suspending flight and train arrivals from Britain from midnight Sunday after the UK detected a COVID-19 variant suspected to be more infectious, a government official said.

Prime Minister Alexander De Croo told a Belgian television channel that the ban will be in place for at least 24 hours.

The abrupt decision came a day after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a lockdown for London and parts of southeast England to at least December 30.

Meanwhile, Germany is considering banning flights from Britain and South Africa, a source close to the German health ministry said on Sunday.

A health ministry spokesman said the government in Berlin was monitoring developments in Britain very closely and working at “high pressure” to evaluate the new information and data regarding the new strain.

Italy and Austria have joined the Netherlands and Belgium in banning air travel from the UK due to concerns over the new strain of coronavirus.

The Netherlands was the first country to ban flights after health authorities confirmed at least one case of the same variant that has prompted the UK to tighghten lockdown rules.

Belgium then stopped flights and halted rail connections.

Italy announced their measures shortly after midday on Sunday, but it is not known how long they will be in place for.

The Dutch measures are expected to last until at least the new year.

Austria said it would also halt flights from the UK but there were no immediate details on the timing of the ban, news agency APA reported.

The French news channel BFMTV reported that France too was "seriously" considering suspending flights and trains from the UK , and the government was "looking for European coordination".

"A decision will be announced during the day," the channel said.

Given the risk associated with a new mutation in the virus, which has been demonstrated in the UK, we are introducing mandatory domestic quarantine from today on all persons who have resided there for at least 24 hours in the last 14 days and are now returning to the Czech Republic.

On days 5-7 after return, a PCR test will be performed and if negative, quarantine will be terminated. Otherwise it will take 10 days. This measure aims to increase the security of citizens.

920 new cases of #COVID19Nigeria;

Lagos-308
FCT-207
Kaduna-179
Plateau-46
Niger-43
Adamawa-26
Sokoto-18
Rivers-16
Yobe-15
Enugu-13
Kano-13
Ogun-12
Delta-10
Edo-5
Osun-3
Oyo-3
Anambra-2
Ekiti-1

Chilean President Sebastian Pinera was slapped with a $3,500 fine on Friday after posing for a selfie on the beach with a bystander without wearing a mask as required during the coronavirus pandemic, health authorities said.

Chile has strict rules on mask wearing in all public places and violations are punishable with sanctions that include fines and even jail terms.

Pinera apologized then turned himself in shortly after the selfie surfaced on social media in early December.

The president explained he had been walking alone along the beach near his home in the posh Chilean seaside town of Cachagua when a woman recognized him and asked for a photo together.

The selfie shows the president and the woman standing very near to one another on a sunny day, neither wearing masks.

The gaffe-prone Pinera was previously photographed at a pizza party on the night protests over inequality broke out in Santiago last year. He was later seen posing for pictures at the square that had been the hub of the demonstrations after the pandemic forced protesters to stay at home.

The virus peaked in Chile in May and June, during the southern hemisphere winter, then subsided through November. Cases are on the rise again, however, prompting new restrictions and quarantines.

Chile has reported 581,135 cases of the virus since the outbreak began in March, and 16,051 deaths from the disease.

Nyamira County Governor, John Obiero Nyagarama, has died.

Nyagarama died at the intensive care unit of the Nairobi Hospital where he had been admitted for four weeks having contracted Covid-19.

The governor, who died at the age of 74, was serving his second term as the governor through the Orange Democratic Movement ticket.

Nyagarama was elected governor in 2013 after unsuccessfully trying the West Mugirango Parliamentary seat for two elections.

Before his election as governor, Nyagarama was a director of the Kenya Tea Development Agency where he served for nearly three decades.

He had resigned from teaching as an English Literature teacher, a job which he had done for about 12 years since his graduation from the University of Nairobi where he had pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in education.

Nyagarama went to Nyakemicha Primary School before proceeding to Maseno School for his O Level and then Kisii High School before joining the University of Nairobi.

His love for theatre and language saw him participate in drama in both high school and university with his favourite part being the recital of William Shakespear’s Hamlet.

In his teaching career, the governor taught former South Mugirango MP Omingo Magara, former Nyaribari Chache MP Robert Monda at Nduru Boys where he taught English Literature.

Some of the high schools he taught before joining politics are Nduru, Nyansiongo and Menyenya secondary schools.

In the 2013 election, he defeated Charles Mochama and eight others to become the first governor of the county.

And in 2017, he won with a comfortable victory of over 7,000 votes to defeat his closest challenger, Walter Nyambati and nine others.

He hails from Bonyamatuta clan which is one of the largest Bagirango family in Nyamira County.

The governor’s death comes two years after losing his eldest son George Ndemo at the same hospital where he passed on.

His son had stayed in the ICU of the facility for nearly three months, fighting breathing complications to which he finally succumbed.

He had also lost his first wife, Dorcas Sigara, more than 12 years ago.

He then married his current wife Naomi Ikonge. He is survived by eight children.

His eldest son, Kebaso, is a businessman while his favorite son, Gideon, is the Public Administration Director in the Nyamira County.

Before he was admitted to Nairobi Hospital, Nyagarama had officially opened his new residence at Isinya, where he held birthday celebrations for his second wife.

His deputy, Amos Nyaribo, who is poised to take over the county leadership, had also tested coronavirus positive but recovered from the illness.

Leaders from Nyamira County led by the deputy governor, mourned the governor saying he was a humble man who had room for everyone.

MPs Joash Nyamoko (North Mugirango), Shadrack Mose (Kitutu Masaba), Vincent Kemosi (West Mugirango), Jerusa Momanyi(Woman Rep) and a host of members of the county led by Charles Barongo also mourned the late governor.

806 new cases of #COVID19Nigeria;
Lagos-287
FCT-255
Kaduna-36
Akwa Ibom-29
Katsina-25
Rivers-25
Kwara-21
Bauchi-19
Kano-15
Ondo-14
Plateau-13
Yobe-12
Nasarawa-11
Ebonyi-9
Gombe-8
Abia-7
Delta-4
Imo-4
Osun-3
Anambra-2
Borno-2
Cross River-1
Edo-1
Ekiti-1
Jigawa-1
Ogun-1

Highlights
On the 18th of December 2020, 806 new confirmed cases and 11 deaths were recorded in Nigeria.
Till date, 77,013 cases have been confirmed, 67,484 cases have been discharged and 1,212 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The 806 new cases are reported from 26 states- Lagos (287), FCT (255), Kaduna (36), Akwa Ibom (29), Katsina (25), Rivers (25), Kwara (21), Bauchi (19), Kano (15), Ondo (14), Plateau (13), Yobe (12), Nasarawa (11), Ebonyi (9), Gombe (, Abia (7), Delta (4), Imo (4), Osun (3), Anambra (2), Borno (2), Cross River (1), Edo (1), Ekiti (1), Jigawa (1), and Ogun (1)
A multi-sectoral national emergency operations centre (EOC), activated at Level 3, continues to coordinate the national response activities.

Total reported deaths for today includes a cumulative of 6 deaths recorded in Gombe State over two days.

December 17 https://www.nairaland.com/6319830/covid-19-update-december-17-2020

Burundi's former president Pierre Buyoya has died in Paris of Covid-19 at the age of 71, relatives said Friday, just weeks after he resigned as the African Union's special envoy to Mali and the Sahel.

Buyoya, who was credited with helping push democracy in the small African country but was accused of involvement in his successor's assassination, was hospitalised in Mali's capital Bamako on Wednesday, a family member told AFP.

"He was evacuated to Paris yesterday afternoon. His plane made a stopover and arrived in France in the evening," the family member said, requesting anonymity.

"He died as the ambulance took him to hospital in Paris for treatment" on Thursday night, the source added.

Several other relatives confirmed the death of Buyoya, who served as the AU's special envoy to Mali and the Sahel from 2012 until November this year.

He resigned in late November after being sentenced the month prior to life imprisonment in Burundi over the 1993 assassination of his successor.

He said it was "a political trial conducted in a scandalous manner" and that he resigned "in order to have full freedom to defend myself and clear my name".

Buyoya was sentenced in absentia over Ndadaye's assassination, along with about 20 military officials and civilians who were also given sentences ranging from 20 years to life imprisonment.

- Coups and war -

Buyoya, an ethnic Tutsi, came from a modest background, making his start in the military before rising to power in a coup in 1987.

During his first term he worked towards a more democratic system in one of Africa's smallest nations. He stepped down in 1993 in the country's first democratic elections in which he was resoundingly beaten by Melchior Ndadaye, a Hutu.

But hardline ethnic Tutsi soldiers killed Ndadaye just four months into his term.

His murder plunged Burundi into years of civil war between the majority Hutus and minority Tutsis.

Buyoya became president again after a coup, ruling from 1996 to 2003.

In 2000, he signed the Arusha Accords, an agreement aimed at ending the civil war which left an estimated 300,000 people dead between 1993 and 2006. He stepped down in 2003 in line with the accords.

Another Burundian former president, Pierre Nkurunziza, died in June aged 55 of what the government said was heart failure -- but speculation was rife that he had contracted coronavirus.

At the time, a medical source told AFP that Nkurunziza had suffered "respiratory distress" before dying.

Unlike its neighbours, Burundi had taken few measures to stop the spread of coronavirus under Nkurunziza, who claimed God had spared the country from its ravages.

His successor President Evariste Ndayishimiye quicky declared Covid-19 the country's "biggest enemy".

But the deeply isolated country has only officially reported a single Covid-19 death since the start of the pandemic.

1,145 new cases of #COVID19Nigeria;
Lagos-459
FCT-145
Kaduna-138
Plateau-80
Katsina-70
Gombe-52
Niger-31
Kano-23
Bayelsa-21
Bauchi-18
Ondo-18
Rivers-17
Ogun-12
Oyo-12
Edo-8
Nasarawa-8
Ebonyi-7
Osun-6
Ekiti-5
Kebbi-5
Borno-4
Jigawa-3
Akwa Ibom-2
Anambra-1

Highlights
On the 17th of December 2020, 1,145 new confirmed cases and 1 death was recorded in Nigeria.
Till date, 76,207 cases have been confirmed, 67,110 cases have been discharged and 1,201 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The 1,145 new cases are reported from 24 states- Lagos (459), FCT (145), Kaduna (138), Plateau (80), Katsina (70), Gombe (52), Niger (31), Kano (23), Bayelsa (21), Bauchi (18), Ondo (18), Rivers (17), Ogun (12), Oyo (12), Edo (, Nasarawa (, Ebonyi (7), Osun (6), Ekiti (5), Kebbi (5), Borno (4), Jigawa (3), Akwa Ibom (2), and Anambra (1).
A multi-sectoral national emergency operations centre (EOC), activated at Level 3, continues to coordinate the national response activities

Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Director of Press and Publicity to the governor, Dr Makut Macham, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

He explained that the governor took the test along with members of his family while his result came out positive but that of others were negative.

Although Governor Lalong is said to be asymptomatic, he has gone into isolation while the samples of his close aides have also been collected for testing.

“As a result, the governor will henceforth work from home during the period of treatment. All state matters requiring the governor’s physical presence will be handled by the deputy governor,” the statement said.

It added, “The governor uses the opportunity to urge all citizens of Plateau State to observe all COVID-19 protocols as the pandemic is still prevalent.

“He advises citizens to apply all precautionary measures, especially during the festive period by avoiding large gatherings, using facemasks, washing hands with soap and water and adhering to personal hygiene measures.“

A Member of the Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation and Coordinator for the South-South zone of the body, Mr. Emmanuel Ibah, is dead. He was 61 years of age.

Family sources confirmed to the NFF that Ibah, who was also Chairman of the Akwa Ibom Football Association, gave up the ghost on Tuesday morning after succumbing to complications from the new coronavirus pandemic. He was said to have underlying diabetic and hypertensive medical conditions.

Ibah, an energetic figure who showed intense dedication and commitment to the work of the NFF and Nigeria Football in general, was always at the forefront of preparations for matches of the Senior Men National Team, Super Eagles, any time the Eagles were playing in the Akwa Ibom State capital, Uyo. The Godswill Akpabio Stadium, known as Nest of Champions, served as home for the Super Eagles during their successful qualifying campaigns for the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals and the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ibah was also Chairman of the NFF Protocols and Ceremonial Committee and Vice Chairman of both the Establishment and Referees Committees.

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, was crestfallen: “I am just lost for words. I don’t know what to say. This has been a tragic year on so many fronts. Emmanuel Ibah was like a brother. He was my colleague from the South South on the NFF Executive Committee and a very loyal and supportive person. We have lost another pillar on the Board. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”

Ibah’s unfortunate demise on Tuesday morning made him the third Member of the NFF Executive Committee and the fourth key figure in the NFF to pass away this year. He was predeceased by Member from the South East, Chidi Ofo Okenwa who died on 5th May and Musa Adamu Duhu who passed on 19th September. NFF’s Head of ICT, Tolulope Abe died on 29th August.

Born Emmanuel Augustine Ibah on 5th September 1959, he hailed from Urua Akpan area of Akwa Ibom State, and became a Member of the NFF Executive Committee after winning election at the last NFF Elective Congress in Katsina on 18th September 2018. He lost his wife a couple of years ago.

758 new cases of #COVID19Nigeria;
FCT-305
Lagos-152
Kaduna-103
Bauchi-44
Gombe-35
Plateau-31
Rivers-17
Sokoto-15
Kwara-13
Kano-9
Ebonyi-8
Ogun-5
Osun-5
Oyo-4
Edo-4
Anambra-4
Bayelsa-2
Ekiti-1
Taraba-1

Highlights
On the 15th of December 2020, 758 new confirmed cases and 3 deaths were recorded in Nigeria.
Till date, 74,132 cases have been confirmed, 66,494 cases have been discharged and 1,200 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The 758 new cases are reported from 19 states- FCT (305), Lagos (152), Kaduna (103), Bauchi (44), Gombe (35), Plateau (31), Rivers (17), Sokoto (15), Kwara (13), Kano (9), Ebonyi ( 8 ), Ogun (5), Osun (5), Oyo (4), Edo (4), Anambra (4), Bayelsa (2), Ekiti (1), and Taraba (1).
A multi-sectoral national emergency operations centre (EOC), activated at Level 3, continues to coordinate the national response activities.

Our discharges today include 29 community recoveries in Lagos State managed in line with guidelines.

Our confirmed cases today includes data reported from the FCT over 2 days.

November 14 https://www.nairaland.com/6314366/covid-19-update-december-14-2020

Controversy has trailed the COVID-19 status of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Tanko Muhammad, as the Supreme Court’s Director of Information, Dr Festus Akande said it was only a rumour that the CJN has contracted the virus.

Justice Ibrahim Saulawa, a member of the Supreme Court, said on Tuesday at the unveiling of the national headquarters of Muslim Lawyers’ Association of Nigeria (MULAN), in Abuja that Tanko had tested positive for COVID-19.

He said he is presently in Dubai receiving treatment.

Earlier, on Monday, Tanko who was supposed to swear in 72 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), was absent at the ceremony.

Justice Olabode Rhodes-Vivour, the next most senior justice of the Supreme Court, administered the oath to the new SANs.

However, in a statement shortly after Saulawa confirmed Tanko’s COVID-19 status, Akande said what Saulawa said was only a rumour.

“I wish to state categorically clear that there is no medical report so far made available by anybody indicating that the Hon. CJN has tested positive for Coronavirus,” he said.

According to him, those peddling the rumour should go a step further to confirm from their sources and equally obtain the copy of whatever laboratory test result they were relying on.

He said as of this moment of issuing this statement, no one has so far shown him or any other person in Supreme Court a copy of the test result they were referring to in the report.

The Nigerian Army, yesterday, revealed that 26 personnel had tested positive for COVID-19 after the death of the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Port Harcourt, Major-General Johnson Irefin.

Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sagir Musa, who made the revelation in a statement in Abuja, also said that a total of 417 personnel had been tested as at Sunday in line with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, that all officers who attended the cancelled COAS conference be isolated and tested.

According to him, the late GOC, who died of COVID-19 complications on December 10, was among the officers who attended the conference in Abuja. He said that the cause of his death was reported as respiratory failure secondary to the complications of COVID 19.

“On the confirmation that Gen. Irefin’s COVID-19 test was positive on December 9, the Chief of Army Staff directed the immediate suspension of the conference.

“All participants were directed to move into self-isolation in line with the Federal Government protocols on COVID 19 pandemic and comprehensive testing of all participants commenced immediately.

“Consequently, as at Sunday the December 13, a total of 417 personnel have so far been tested with 26 confirmed positive cases. Currently, all participants are in self-isolation irrespective of their results while Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)-recommended COVID-19 treatment drugs were immediately issued to those that tested positive,” he said.

Brig-Gen. Musa said that all officers and soldiers working at the Army Headquarters were being tested while COVID-19 protocols were being strictly enforced across all units and formations. He also revealed that the entire Army Headquarters complex was thoroughly fumigated on Saturday December 12.

201 new cases of #COVID19Nigeria;
Kaduna-74
Lagos-53
Katsina-40
Rivers-11
Plateau-9
Kwara-6
Bauchi-2
Ogun-2
Taraba-2
Edo-1
Sokoto-1

Highlights
On the 14th of December 2020, 201 new confirmed cases were recorded in Nigeria.
Till date, 73,374 cases have been confirmed, 66,314 cases have been discharged and 1,197 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The 201 new cases are reported from 11 states-Kaduna (74), Lagos (53), Katsina (40), Rivers (11), Plateau (9), Kwara (6), Bauchi (2), Ogun(2), Taraba (2), Edo (1), and Sokoto (1)
A multi-sectoral national emergency operations centre (EOC), activated at Level 3, continues to coordinate the national response activities.

December 13 https://www.nairaland.com/6312470/covid-19-update-december-13-2020

At least 18 Nigerian Army generals have tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19), military sources told Channels Television on Sunday.

The infected military officers were said to have had contact with late Major General Olu Irefin who died from COVID-19 complications last week.

According to the sources, the affected senior army officers were attendees of the 2020 Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja.

Besides, late General Irefin was said to have visited some of his colleagues at home before he attended the conference.

Thereafter, all the officers who attended the conference, their wives, and other members of their families who live with them, have been directed to isolate themselves for a week by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

The sources revealed that the affected senior army officers were mostly those who came from outside Abuja and have been tested by officials of the NCDC.

However, others who were in the nation’s capital have yet to take the test for the virus.

Channels Television also learnt that the venue of the aborted conference – the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Asokoro – has been decontaminated by health officials at the weekend

Major General Irefin fell ill at the 2020 Chief of Army Staff Conference last week and was taken to the hospital.

He was later confirmed to be positive for COVID-19 and was receiving treatment before he died.

The late general was the General Officer Commanding (GOC) Six Division of the Army in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital.