₦airaland Forum

Marketplace1000:
Just 40 cases in Lagos and we start building tent in mosquito infested stadium. So we can't even provide a 100 beds in a proper hospital. Lord!

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed that all recently retired staff of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) should return work.

Mr Buhari gave the directive in a series of tweets on his Twitter handle @MBuhari, late Thursday evening.

The directive is meant to boost the manpower at the public health agency which is coordinating the national response of the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak in the country.

He also gave other directives to help the country combat the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak.

Mr Buhari said he has been receiving updates on the country’s response to Covid-19.

“Over the last few days I have received extensive briefings on the state of the nation as it relates to the Covid-19 pandemic, from the relevant Federal Government agencies as well as the Lagos State Government,” he said.

Since the outbreak of the disease in Nigeria, Mr Buhari, unlike the presidents of many other countries, has not publicly addressed the nation.

Directive

Mr Buhari said he has “directed the NCDC to draft all its recent retirees back into service to beef up our manpower as we respond to the pandemic.”

He added that all staff of the agency undergoing training or on foreign assignments should return to the country.

“Furthermore, all NCDC staff and experts who are away on training or international assignments are to return immediately.

“Already the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) are conducting an evacuation mission to bring back some of our specialists in Central Africa, to enable them support the national response,” he said.

Improved Workforce

The directive is expected to improve the workforce of the NCDC.

The Director-General of NCDC, Chikwe Ihekweazu, had said last week that the agency had insufficient manpower and was maximising what it has.

He said the agency is not only working to battle Covid-19 but also other diseases like the Lassa fever which has caused about 176 deaths across the country.

He, however, said for Covid-19, a multi-sectoral national emergency operations centre (EOC), activated at level 3, continues to coordinate the national response activities.

Outbreak

Currently, Nigeria has recorded 65 cases of Covid-19.

Out of the 65 cases, three cases have been discharged and one death recorded. So far, Lagos tops the chart of states with the highest numbers of cases (44). This is followed by FCT – 11, Ogun – three, Bauchi – two, while Ekiti, Oyo, Edo, Osun, and Rivers have one case each.

The government has also intensified contact tracing to trace those who might have been exposed to the virus from infected people. This has become necessary to contain community spread of the disease in the country.

temptnow:
No air-conditioning, heat go suffocate people die

The Lagos State Government has commenced plans to establish makeshift isolation centres that would be closer to the people, The Nation learnt on Thursday.

This idea followed the announcement of more confirmed cases of COVID-19 with fears that the figures might skyrocket in coming days.

It was gathered that the state Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu mulled the idea of makeshift isolation centres on Tuesday but did not provide more details.

However, checks around the city showed that work was ongoing at the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium former Onikan Stadium with tents being mounted on the pitch.

The Nation gathered that the Onikan centre might be ready for use in few days time, while more would be put in areas like Badagry, Ikorodu, Epe and Ikeja.

Contacted, the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso confirmed the development to our Correspondent.

Meanwhile, the police on Thursday expressed satisfaction at the level of compliance with the social distancing and market closure exhibited by residents.

Police Commissioner Hakeem Odumosu who led members of his team on inspection across the state, said all markets were completely closed save for those selling essential commodities.

According to police spokesman Bala Elkana, Odumosu visited financial institutions, telecommunications outlets, markets dealing in essential and non-essential commodities within the mainland and Island. “Markets dealing in food stuffs, medicines, medical equipment and other life saving products were seen carrying out their businesses unhindered. All other markets were completely closed by the operators in obedience to the state government’s directives.

“Some businesses placed notice on their entrances informing their esteemed customers of the closure.

Customers of various financial institutions, telecommunication companies and businesses not affected by the closure order were seen observing the guidelines regarding social distancing and spacing, thereby avoiding body contacts.

“Customers in Eateries visited were seen using take away services and not having more that 25 persons at a time.

“The CP stopped over at various bus stops where he noticed passengers sitting side by side in buses without recourse to social distancing guidelines. He advised motorists to put two passengers per row instead of the usual four, in other to avoid body contacts.

“The Commissioner of Police used the medium to appreciate the good people of Lagos State for their patriotism in obeying the safety regulations put in place by Government.

“Together we will stop the spread of COVID-19. For information or complaints regarding non compliance call the following numbers 09010512285, 09010512286, 09010512287 and 09010512288,” he said.

otijah:
O boy these areas are majorly Igbos that control the markets. God guide your people

Mynd44:
Punch and AIT Didn't make it.


Loool

Beedehmee:
Believe this op rubbish post at your own peril.
this is just the bloggers doing, what is your source, where is the foolish virus una say breakout from brazil too.

NaijaRoyalty:
He should pay civil servants atleast 2 months salaries before ordering a total lockdown .