Coronavirus: Five Skin Conditions Linked To COVID-19 Identified, Study Finds

Five skin conditions associated with coronavirus have been identified by dermatologists, according to a new study.

Chilblains may affect the hands or the feet. Pic: Sapp

Research was carried out on 375 patients in Spain, in an effort to build a picture of how the disease might manifest in skin symptoms.

Through the Spanish Academy of Dermatology, all the country's dermatologists were asked to help identify patients who had an unexplained skin "eruption" in the last fortnight and who had suspected or confirmed COVID-19.

They were given a questionnaire, and photos were taken of skin conditions to detect patterns of the virus's potential effect on the skin.

But authors of the study, published in the British Journal of Dermatology, warned that in some cases it was hard to tell if skin conditions were directly caused by coronavirus or if they indicated complications.

They also urged the public not to try to self-diagnose COVID-19 based on skin symptoms, because rashes and lesions are common and hard to differentiate without medical expertise.

Chilblain-like symptoms

According to the study, 19% of cases involved chilblain-like symptoms, described as "acral areas of erythema-edema with some vesicles or pustules".

It said these lesions affect the hands and feet and may resemble the small, itchy swellings of chilblains.

They were described as small red or purple spots caused by bleeding under the skin and usually asymmetrical in appearance.

The study said they were associated with younger patients, lasted for an average of 12.7 days, appeared later in the course of COVID-19 and were associated with less severe cases of the disease.

Vesicular eruptions

Described as outbreaks of small blisters, commonly itchy, that appeared on the trunk of the body, dermatologists identified "vesicular eruptions" in 9% of cases.

It said they may be filled with blood, could become larger or more spread out and could potentially affect people's limbs.

Associated with middle-aged patients, they lasted on average 10.4 days, appeared more commonly before other symptoms and were linked with intermediate severity of the disease.

Wheals

Identified in 19% of cases, "urticarial lesions" consist of pink or white raised areas of skin and resemble a nettle rash.

Commonly known as wheals, these are usually itchy and can be spread across the body, including in a few cases on the palms of hands.

They were found to last an average of 6.8 days

Other maculopapules

"Other maculopapules" were identified in 47% of cases and described as small, flat and raised red bumps.

They were distributed round hair follicles in some cases and had varying degrees of scaling.

The study said the appearance was similar to pityriasis rosea, a common skin condition.

It said blood spots under the skin might also be present, either as spots or dots or on larger areas.

These conditions lasted 8.6 days on average.

They usually appeared at the same time as other coronavirus symptoms, were associated with more severe cases, and itching was very common.

Researchers stressed that maculopapules and urticarial lesions are common and can have many causes, meaning they may not be a helpful aide for diagnosing COVID-19.

Livedo or necrosis

Identified by dermatologists in 6% of cases, livedo or necrosis occurs where circulation in the blood vessels of the skin is impaired, causing it to take on a blotchy red or blue appearance with a net-like pattern.

Necrosis describes the premature death of skin tissue.

Patients showed different degrees of lesions pointing to "occlusive vascular disease", where a narrowing or blocking of arteries occurs, limiting blood flow to certain areas of the body.

The study added that these conditions were associated with older patients with severe cases of COVID-19, although manifestations of the disease in this group varied.

Livedoid and necrotic lesions are relatively rare but the authors said it was difficult to know if they were directly caused by coronavirus, or simply indicated complications.

Skynews

Lagos Govt Issues Fresh Guidelines For Public Transport Operations

The Lagos State Government on Thursday issued fresh guidelines for public transport operations in the state as part of the controlled measures to ease the lockdown over COVID-19 pandemic.

The state Commissioner for Transportation, Dr Frederic Oladeinde, released the guidelines at a news conference in Lagos.

According to him, public transport operations within the state shall be between the hours of 6.00a.m and 7.00p.m daily from May 4.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the new guidelines bring a slight difference to the Federal Government directive that ordered 8.00p.m to 6.00a.m curfew in Lagos, Ogun and Abuja as from May 4.

Oladeinde told newsmen that the guidelines should be followed by commuters and transport operators in the state until further notice.

He reiterated that inter-state operation had been suspended until further notice, except for essential services.

According to him, the operations of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as “Okada”, has been suspended indefinitely across the state.

The commissioner said that commuters were mandated to wear face mask at all times, sanitise their hands with alcohol base sanitisers or wash their hands with soap and running water before and after each trip.

”All transport operators/companies are expected to disinfect their vehicles, parks and garages regularly and continuously in collaboration/supervision of the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources to ensure standards and safety of the disinfectant being used.

“All transport operators/companies are expected to have at the entrance of their respective parks handwashing equipment with running water and alcohol-based sanitisers.

“Disinfectant companies are to be guided by the Environmental Health Unit of the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources.

“Operators are expected to have alcohol-based Sanitisers in their vehicles for both drivers, conductors and passengers,” Oladeinde said.

According to him, motor parks and garages must not be overcrowded with passengers and commercial activities at any point in time.

He said that social distancing was required for passengers queuing to board buses.

“NCDC recommends that at least 2m (5feet) distance is required between people; operators are not allowed to overcrowd/overload their vehicles at this point in time.

“All public buses should be 60 per cent capacity (i.e for buses, one passenger with driver in front seat, two passengers on the back rows each and two passengers for tricycle),” he added.

Oladeinde said trucks and individual transporting foods and other raw materials into the state must comply with the guidelines.

He said that the driver and other individuals on such vehicle must always use face marks and an alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

Oladeinde said that all vehicles carrying foods and other agricultural produce in and out of Lagos must not carry passengers more than seven on board.

According to him, vehicles used for the transportation of food items and other services must be disinfected before gaining access into the state’s border and when leaving, under strict monitoring by relevant government agencies.

On Mechanic Village operations, Oladeinde said the engineers shall work between the hours of 9.00a.m and 3.00p.m daily starting from May 4 till further notice.

He added that the engineers must make available at their respective entrances alcohol base sanitisers, soap and running water facility for visitors.

Oladeinde said water transport operations within the state shall be from 6.00a.m to 6.00p.m daily starting from May 4 till further notice.

“Boat operators and passengers are mandated in addition to life jackets, to wear face masks at all times, sanitise their hands or wash their hands with soap and running water before and after each trip.

”Operators and other stakeholders are mandated to comply with these guidelines as the Ministry of Transportation and her enforcement agencies/departments will be deployed for prompt enforcement with heavy consequences,” he said.

NAN reports that the President on April 27, announced a “gradual easing” of COVID-19 lockdown in Lagos, Ogun and Abuja, from May 4, after a four-week lockdown of the areas to contain the spread of COVID-19.

(See Photos) IHSTowers Donates 4 Ambulances For Nigeria's Covid-19 Response

IHSTowers donates 4 Ambulances for Covid-19 Response team.

See the tweets

We’re grateful for the support from 

@IHSTowers in providing 4 ambulances for Nigeria’s #COVID19 response

These will be used by Port Health Services of @Fmohnigeria: Kano, Edo & Oyo State Emergency Operations Centres to expand the current capacity for transportation of cases

Access Bank Cut Salaries of Employees After Donating N1 Billion To FG

Last month, Access Bank donates  N1 billion to FG.

This month, same bank cut salaries of employees.

Ugandan Court Orders Lawmakers To Refund Coronavirus Cash

Court Orders Lawmakers in Uganda To Pay Back Money They Awarded Themselves To Combat Coronavirus

A Ugandan court on Wednesday ordered lawmakers to pay back money they had awarded themselves to combat Coronavirus.

The High Court of Uganda ruled that MPs return all the money they received as part of a package they approved to fight Coronavirus in their constituencies must be repaid or transferred to national or district Covid-19 taskforces.

According to The Observer newspaper, an allocation of 2.4 million euros was paid into the individual accounts of lawmakers earlier in April.

The publication claimed that the money was initially approved as part of a bigger budgetary package, and was intended to be used for sensitisation about the virus before the lawmakers decided to pay the money into their individual accounts.

President Yoweri Museveni condemned the lawmakers for their decision to share the large sum among themselves, describing the move as “morally reprehensible”.

According to the statistics from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, Uganda has 79 confirmed cases of Coronavirus with no deaths so far.

(See Photos) Security Stops Vehicles With Passengers Hidden Among Animals In Kaduna

IgbereTV reports that security officials at the Kano-Kaduna border prevented two lorries transporting passengers from entering Kaduna State from Kano. The passengers were hidden among livestock, motorcycles and other goods.

Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said, “We got information that these lorries had come in from the Kaduna-Kano border and had progressed up to Gwargwaji in Zaria LGA. We then proceeded to nab them further along within the same local government.”

“The passengers were cleverly concealed behind random goods, motorcycles and animals.”

“Thankfully, once again we have got the better of them, and we have turned them back in compliance with the Kaduna State Government’s ban on inter-state travel.”

 “Operatives are actively enforcing the directives at all entry points, and passengers have similarly been intercepted from other routes and escorted out to the borders.”

Sanwo-Olu Blames Late Airports, Border Closures For Covid-19 Spread

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said the delayed closure of the country’s borders, seaport, and airports, including the failure of returnees to self-isolate, caused the spread of COVID-19.

He said this during an Instalive interview with CNN on Wednesday.

According to the governor, Lagos was prepared to curb the spread of COVID-19 but had to wait for the Federal Government to shut airport, seaport and land borders.

The PUNCH reports that though Nigeria recorded its first COVID-19 death on February 27, the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), officially shut the country’s airports, seaports, and borders on March 29.

As of March 29 when president shut the country’s airports, seaports, and borders, Nigeria had recorded 111 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and one death.

When asked about the state’s preparedness, Sanwo-Olu said, “Given the population that we have, we are a bit ahead in terms of preparation, as a state, but we are sub-national. We couldn’t give directives as to when Nigeria should close the airport, seaport, or in-land border.

“We don’t have control over that. We were just wrapping up our own facilities and the training officials, and that was why we were able to track the index case over two months now.

“In the country, 33 or 34 states have had one case or the other. For us, it is a double X thing. The population is huge, so we will be a fool of ourselves to just think that it is going to be a spike and we will be out of it. Because we did not close all of the importations early and people were not also doing full isolation when they came, it was really difficult for us to do contact tracing before it got to the community – which is where we are now.”

The governor also reiterated that Lagos may be recording large cases “soon”, adding that over 7000 samples had been tested in the state.

He said, “We are pretty much getting to the peak season. We will soon see a large number because testing is now wrapped up. It is a public health issue and we needed to take our protocols from NCDC and other international organisations.

“Testing kits were rationalised and we could not do more than we were given. Even the accreditation requires processes. We have learnt it now and we are applying it.”

Meanwhile, state’s Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said Lagos has recorded 947 confirmed COVID-19 cases.

He said, “87 new #COVID-19 cases were confirmed in Lagos on April 29, 2020. The total number of confirmed cases in Lagos is now 947.

“The good news is that 49 additional #COVID-19 survivors have been discharged following their full recovery. The total number of discharged patients in Lagos now stands at 187.

“We regret to announce additional #COVID19 related death involving a 25-year-old male who at the time of admission was in a state of severe breathlessness. The total number of COVID-19 related deaths in Lagos is now 20.

“I again urge Lagos residents to remain committed to observing necessary precautionary measures to stop COVID-19 infection. Let’s be vigilant and report any concern about COVID-19 infection in our communities.”

However, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control on Wednesday announced that Lagos had recorded 21 fatalities from COVID-19.

COVID-19: 1 In 5 People With Respiratory Symptoms In Lagos Positive – Commissioner

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, says one in five of all people with respiratory symptoms in Lagos seems to be positive for COVID-19 pandemic.

Abayomi disclosed this when he appeared as a Guest on Arise Television “Morning Show” programme monitored on Wednesday in Lagos.

He said that the state was getting between 15 and 20 per cent positivity among people presenting with respiratory symptoms, fever, among other ailments at the state’s sample collection sites.

“We take the samples to our central testing facilities, and right now, we are getting between 15 and 20 per cent positivity among the people who are presenting with respiratory symptoms, fever or things like that.

“What we are seeing now is that one in five people in Lagos right now with respiratory sickness, is due to COVID-19.

“There are hundreds of other pathogens that cause the same thing.

“So, one in five of all people with respiratory symptoms in Lagos seems to be positive for COVID-19, and that’s not a reflection of what’s going on generally in the communities.

“I don’t want you to misrepresent that figure; it is not one in five of Lagos people, it is one in five of people who are unwell,” he said.

The commissioner maintained that the figures gave a good data metrix when compared to Europe and the U.S, and also when considering the death rates.

“Yes, there’s something different about Lagos, and the rest of Nigeria.

“Either, we are in a state of better preparedness or some environmental factors aiding us or something in our genetics that’s helping us slow the trend.

“But only time will tell; we are still in the beginning of our outbreak, and we don’t want to be prophets of doom,” Abayomi said.

According to him, we have to look at the data, analysed the trend and modelling, toward using the information to predict their future expectations for the virus.

“We haven’t reached our peak; we predict that would happen in a month or two, and with this gentle slopes, we are preparing for a number of cases based on our data analysis and modelling,” he said.

Responding to question on whether Lagos was jeopardising the health of her citizens for economic considerations, Abayomi said that the state was trying to find a balance in a public health crisis.

“The balance is to ensure that the strategies deployed doesn’t exert much pressure on the economy of the state.

“The economy is an integral part of the health of Nigerians; if you strip them of their livelihoods, you create a problem which we don’t want to create while solving another problem.

“People who are malnourished are more vulnerable to illnesses and viral infections; part of the public health strategies is to also have an economic and livelihood response,” Abayomi said.

He said that the state was still at the containment stage, ramping up its testing capacity and creating more isolation centres.

According to him, the state is working on converting some hotels to isolation centres for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

The commissioner said that strategies deployed to contain the COVID-19 spread would be reviewed constantly to suit changing situation.

Abayomi noted that the dynamics of the curve was different globally, even in Nigeria, adding every state would have its own pattern with varying degrees of impact.

(NAN)

Three Togolese Arrested For Entering Nigeria Illegally

Operatives of the Oyo State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), have arrested three Togolese who entered Nigeria illegally.

The suspects identified as Commando Kwasi, Eberivie Isiaq and Kemi Terivie said to be a mother of one, escaped the border patrols from the Republic of Benin and travelled through Saki to Iseyin on Tuesday April 28.

They were arrested at Odo-Omu in Iseyin community of Oyo state, after arriving Nigeria for the new farming season. This is coming after the federal Government of Nigeria announced a total blockade of the country’s borders following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

(See Photos) Internet Fraudsters Bag Two years Jail term in Kaduna

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Kaduna Zonal Office on April 29, 2020, secured the convictions of Idahosa Bobby and Aidamebor Israel for offences bordering on internet fraud.

They were arraigned before Justice Mohammed Tukur of the State High Court sitting in Kaduna, Kaduna State.

The convicts were each arraigned on a separate one-count charge bordering on online fraud and for possession of fraudulent documents. .

Idahosa and Israel were arrested by a team of operatives attached to the Intelligence and Special Operations Section, ISOS following intelligence reports indicating their involvement in cybercrime.

Chief MD of Yaba Infectious Disease Hospital In Lagos Reportedly Tests Positive For COVID-19

Dr Bowale Abimbola, the Chief Medical Director of Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba, Lagos, has reportedly tested positive for Coronavirus.

According to a report from SaharaReporters, Dr Abimbola is presently being treated in one of the wards in the hospital.

“Yes, he is positive, that’s why you haven’t seen him in public unlike before. It was even Dr Nifemi Bella Oloniniyi that received honourable members of Lagos State House of Assembly during their visit to our facility. I was told he had a meeting with someone who later showed symptoms of COVID-19, so his samples were immediately taken for test and his results returned positive last week,” a source told SaharaReporters.

Dr Abimbola was actively involved in managing the Italian man who was Nigeria’s COVID-19 Index case.

Zakzaky Donates Food Worth Millions To The Poor, Says Prison Won’t Stop Generosity

Shaikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, has sent foodstuffs worth millions of Naira to the needy across Kaduna state.

He said it was his age long family practice to identify with the underprivileged and life in prison wouldn’t change his principle.

Zakzaky described Ramadan as a blessed month, saying the items he distributed were to enable the beneficiary mark the beginning of this year’s Ramadan.

The food items included among others, bags of sugar, rice, maize and millet

Zakzaky’s surviving son, Muhammad Ibraheem Zakzaky, stood for his father during the distribution exercise.

Muhammad said his detained father instructed the distribution of the items to assist as many needy Nigerians as possible during the Ramadan.

He said it had been Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky’s practice to share food items to the poor for over 20 years and that had continued even after the Buhari-led government disrupted their movement.

“Sheikh Zakzaky sends his best wishes to Muslims all over the world and assures them of his prayers throughout the fasting period,” he said.

COVID-19: US Criticises South Africa for Accepting Cuban Doctors

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Wednesday criticised South Africa and Qatar for accepting doctors from Cuba to battle the coronavirus, accusing the communist island of profiting from the pandemic.

Cuba’s globe-trotting doctors have long been a source of diplomatic soft power and pride for Havana, but the US says the medical workers only benefit their government and has encouraged them to defect.

“We’ve noticed how the regime in Havana has taken advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic to continue its exploitation of Cuban medical workers,” Pompeo told reporters.

We've noticed how the regime in Havana has taken advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic to continue its exploitation of Cuban medical workers.

“We applaud leaders in Brazil, Ecuador, Bolivia and other countries, which have refused to turn a blind eye to these abuses by the Cuban regime, and ask all countries to do the same, including places like South Africa and Qatar,” he said.

Governments accepting Cuban doctors must pay them directly. Otherwise, when they pay the regime, they are helping the Cuban government turn a profit on human trafficking.”

South Africa, which like Qatar has friendly relations with the United States, on Monday announced that 217 Cuban doctors had arrived in the country, which has the highest number of coronavirus infections in Africa.

Cuba has sent doctors to more than a dozen countries during the Covid-19 pandemic, including hard-hit Italy.

France has also authorised Cuban teams to help in its overseas territories.

Cuba has made healthcare a societal pillar, despite the poverty of the island, which has been subject to US sanctions for six decades.

Former president Barack Obama sought to reconcile with Cuba, calling the isolation policy a failure, and ended a programme in which Washington encouraged Cuban doctors to defect and resettle in the United States – whose capitalist medical system offers exponentially higher incomes.

President Donald Trump’s administration has snapped back US pressure sharply and has imposed visa restrictions on Cuban officials involved in medical missions.

Cuba says it earned $6.3 billion from its medical dispatches in 2018 and used the proceeds to finance its own universal healthcare coverage.

One of the staunchest critics of the programme is Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro, a far-right ally of Trump, who kicked out 8000 Cuban health workers when he took office.

AFP

113 Health Workers Have Tested Positive For Covid-19 – Says Health Minister

Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, on Thursday, disclosed that at least 113 health workers have contracted coronavirus and tested positive for the disease.

Ehanire, who spoke at the daily briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, said not less than 113 of the health workers have come down with the COVID-19 infection across the country.

The minister, therefore, advised that only healthcare workers who have undergone good training in infectious diseases control should be handling cases of COVID-19 and coronavirus patients.

According to him, nobody is forced or conscripted in the fight against coronavirus, therefore, it was important for those healthcare workers who feel they cannot handle the outbreak to speak up.

The minister said: “There are not so many people in the health sector who are infected. Latest figures we have is that there are about 113 and they are not all public health workers. There are good numbers from private hospitals.

“If you hear us speaking here frequently against trying to treat coronavirus in private clinics, we are actually referring to those people who do so without having necessary precautions and training because they risk infecting themselves and go home and give this infection to their families.

“Healthcare workers who have no training have no business handling coronavirus. As for those who do not have protective equipment, we have said that we have provided personal protective equipment (PPE) for those who are out there.

“It is important for healthcare workers to understand that nobody is forced or conscripted to handle the coronavirus. Those who cannot handle it have the option of requesting to be excused and someone else will come in. The pressure on healthcare workers if they have a crisis can be quite severe and I do think that mental health counseling can be extended to those who feel they are impacted in that way.”

Due to the need to test more people, he pointed out that the government has increased the daily laboratory testing capacity to 2,500 in the 15 molecular diagnosis laboratories across the country.

Covid-19: Nursing Mother Test Positive, Wanted For Treatment - Edo State Gov.

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo state has declared a 23 year old nursing mother, Mrs Amaka Okoro, who is a resident of the state, wanted.

According to the governor, Mrs Okoro tested positive for the novel Coronavirus and has remained unreachable since her result came out.

The governor disclosed this via his Twitter handle this afternoon.

One Mrs. Amaka Okoro, who tested positive for #COVID?19 , is wanted for treatment. She is a nursing mother, who has a baby that is already coughing. She lives at #2 Atoe Idubor Str, off 2nd Ugbor, Benin City. She has been unreachable since her results returned positive.

Mrs. Okoro poses a threat to herself, the baby and the general public. Anyone with useful information on her whereabouts should please contact the relevant health and security agencies.” he wrote on Twitter

Kano State Governor, Ganduje, Asks Buhari To Relax Lockdown Over Ramadan

President Buhari had on Monday during a nationwide broadcast ordered a total lockdown on Kano following the rise of COVID-19 cases and the strange deaths in the state.

The Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, has appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari to ease the 14-day total lockdown imposed on the state.

Buhari had on Monday during a nationwide broadcast ordered a total lockdown on Kano following the rise of COVID-19 cases and the strange deaths in the state.

Ganduje, while speaking on Thursday, while inaugurating a panel of experts to support the state task force technical committee, said it is important to relax the lockdown for a while in order to ease the hardship in the state, especially in the holy month of Ramadan. 

He said, “We would engage the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to seek permission to relax the total lockdown imposed on Kano.

We are making this appeal on behalf of our people who are presently running out of food items. We would love the Federal government to relax the lockdown for a period of time to enable people stock their homes, especially now that majority of us are fasting. It will also ease the economic hardship in the state.”

Breaking: FG Orders Civil Servants to Resume Monday, To Work 3 times a Week

The Federal Government has ordered civil servants from Grade level 14 and above to resume on Monday.

In circular by Head of Service of the Federation Dr. Folashade Yemi-Esan, it said the Federal secretariat complexes have been decontaminated while efforts were ongoing to do same in other public offices.

The circular reads: “Further to Mr President’s broadcast on a phased and gradual easing of the lockdown measures occasioned by COVID-19, officers on GL 14 and above and those in essential services are hereby directed to resume work with effect from Monday, 4th of May, 2020 in the first instance.“

“Offices are to open three times a week – Monday, Wednesday and Friday – and close at 2:00pm on each day.”

The circular further advised affected officers to limit the number of visitors they receive while hand- washing facilities should be located at every strategic location within their office premises.

See Details:

NCDC Struggling With Bed Spaces in Lagos

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, has said it is currently “struggling” for bed spaces for the treatment of COVID-19 patients in Lagos State, which has the highest number of persons infected by coronavirus in Nigeria.

Chikwe Ihekweazu, Director-General of Centre, said this at the briefing of the presidential task force on COVID-19 on Thursday.

He added that efforts were being made to change strategy so the inadequate bed spaces does not affect the fight against coronavirus.

He said: “Lagos is the only place where we are struggling with bed spaces for now. We will always tells Nigerians the truth. We are struggling with bed spaces in Lagos for now.”

The isolation centres in Lagos are at the Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba; Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, and at Onikan Stadium.

So far 947 confirmed COVID-19 cases are Lagos and 187 of these patients have been discharged after recovering from the disease.

Nigeria Records 204 New Cases of Covid-19, Total Now 1,932 (See Details By State)

204 new cases of #COVID19 reported;

80-Kano
45-Lagos
12-Gombe
9-Bauchi
9-Sokoto
7-Borno
7-Edo
6-Rivers
6-Ogun
4-FCT
4-Akwa Ibom
4-Bayelsa
3-Kaduna
2-Oyo
2-Delta
2-Nasarawa
1-Ondo
1-Kebbi

11:50pm 30th April- 1932 confirmed cases of #COVID19 in Nigeria by NCDC

Discharged: 319
Deaths: 58


New Deaths (7 new)

Borno- 1

Sokoto- 1

Kaduna- 1

Osun- 1

Akwa- 1

Jigawa- 1

Zamfara- 1

See Details By State:

FG Delivers 110 Trailers Of Rice & Grains To Kano As Palliatives

The Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, has dispatched 110 trucks of palliatives foodstuff from the Federal Government to the Kano State Government for distribution to the needy, vulnerable and people of concern in the state.

Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar Farouq, said that the Ministry delivered ten trailer-loads of parboiled rice to the state government about two weeks ago, and in addition to that directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to deliver 100 trucks of grains to five locations in Kano State for distribution to poor and vulnerable households on the instruction of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The grains in 100 trailers now on their way to Kano, comprise millet, sorghum and maize, which were released from silos holding the country’s strategic food reserve located across the country.

It could be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to release 70,000 metric tons of food for distribution to less-privileged Nigerians to cushion the effect of the lockdown aimed at checking the spread of the killer-disease triggered by COVID-19 in Nigeria.

The Minister emphasised that “One of the humanitarian interventions provided by the Federal Government is the delivery of food items as palliatives to the poor and vulnerable in all states affected by the Covid-19 pandemic to ease the lockdown situation”.

Sadiya Farouq assured the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Engineer Mustapha Maihaja that: “The Ministry will continue to work closely with all the agencies under its purview, including the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in discharging its mandates, including providing effective coordination of humanitarian interventions both nationally and internationally for the benefit of the citizens of this country, especially during this Covid-19 Pandemic.”

She highlighted the need for the Agency to work closely with the Ministry and its sister agencies in all the states in monitoring the effective distribution of the palliatives to ensure that the food items reach the intended beneficiaries, especially in states under lockdown.

In his remark, the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Engr. Mustapha Maihaja assured the Minster that the Agency will work closely with State Governments to ensure the effective monitoring and accountability in distributing the palliatives, and thanked the Minister for the visit and her support to NEMA in discharging its duties for the benefit of Nigerians.

Signed.

Salisu Na’inna Dambatta

For Honourable Minister

April 28, 2020.

Nigerian Airforce C-130H Aeromedical Evacuation (See Pictures)

Aeromedical Evacuation to airlift wounded soldiers from various theatres of operation to treatment facilities, the NAF has conducted a training for some of its flight nurses.

Government Offices Can Open From Monday – Presidential Task Force «

Federal offices nationwide can open from May 4 for workers to resume work, the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 has said.

The resumption will be based on specific grade levels, the PTF explained.

Also, the banking, construction, construction, manufacturing sectors, as well as food processing companies, will be allowed to open from Monday, the PTF further said.

The PTF noted that banks will be allowed to open from 8am to 2pm daily while observing the new restrictions put in place by the government.

National Coordinator of the PTF on Covid-19, Dr. Aliyu Sani stated these during the daily briefing by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 pandemic.

The national coordinator said that temperature test, respiratory hygiene and restriction of gathering of not more than 20 persons will be introduced.

Sani said the task force would be engaging with state governments to make sure that the PTF have a common approach to the opening of offices.

He said: “For government offices, government staff will be allowed to resume from the 4 of May but it will be based on specific grade levels and specific days so that we can reduce the amount of congestion that we might have in our government offices and we will be discussing further with state governments to make sure that we have a common approach to this.

“Banks will be allowed to open but there will be restriction in the opening hours to between 8am to 2pm and together with all the other preventive measures I have already mentioned.

“In addition to this, from the point of agriculture and rural development, companies involved in food processing can commence operation.

“In construction sites, critical road will be allowed but waivers will be provided by state governments to enable movement.

“For the manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries, we will encourage shift work and limiting staff to only 30 to 50 per cent to maintain social distancing and pharmacy shops may remain open overnight.”

Sani however said that restrictions on social gatherings remain suspended pending review of the new measures put in place by the government.

He said that restaurants and schools remain closed.

However, Sani said that neighbourhood markets are allowed to operate during the relaxed lockdown.

He said: “Restaurant will not be opened to the publics but will be allowed to engage in home delivery of food.

“Schools will remain closed till further evaluation. Schools are encouraged to continue with e-learning and virtual teaching.

“Social activities such as the use of recreational parks. Communal sports, concert, social parties and movie theaters will be suspended until further review.

“Neighborhood markets will continue to open with the same standard and restrictions that we have applied in the past as well as supermarkets, and retail stores.”

He urged those above 65 year old and with mobility challenge to avoid co-mingling with the general public so that they protect themselves from catching Covid-19.

“There will be general pieces of advice, for instance, discouraging persons above the age of 65 and those with mobility challenge from co-mingling with the general public so that they protect themselves from catching Covid -19 because they are the ones that are most likely to develop severe illness.

“We will be providing additional details and hopefully the implementation guidelines and the protocols will follow over the next day or two to allow businesses and offices to prepare for these changes,” he added.

Nnamdi KANU Goes Live On Facebook, Slams Kemi Olunloyo And Buhari

Ipob leader, Nnamdi KANU goes live on Facebook, abuses Kemi Olunloyo and Buhari

Posted by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on Wednesday, 29 April 2020

Man Wins $1 million Lottery Twice On The Same Day After Playing Same Set Of Numbers

A man has won $1 million twice on the same day while playing the same set of numbers, proving the odds are definitely in his favor.

The Colorado man, “Joe B” won two, $1 million Powerball prizes on March 25 while playing the same set of numbers, the Colorado Lottery said in a press release.

The Pueblo man came to claim his prize Monday at the Lottery’s drive-thru claims office.

According to reports, Joe bought a few Powerball plays in the morning at a 7-Eleven on Lake Ave., and that same night, bought some more at Loaf N’ Jug, also on Lake Ave., the release said.

CNN reports that he has been playing the same numbers (5-9-27-39-42) for 30 years.

Although this is the first time an incident like this is being reported for the Colorado Powerball, a similar one had happened in Virginia in 2012, CNN reported.

BREAKING News: Banks Open in Abuja, Lagos, Ogun from Monday – FG

The Federal Government says banks will open for commercial operations in Abuja, Lagos and Ogun States beginning Monday, May 4.

The National Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Dr Sani Aliyu, disclosed this in an ongoing update in Abuja monitored by The PUNCH.

Aliyu said banks would be allowed to open between 8am and 2pm in the three places.

He said, “In terms of the banks, this continues to be a recurring issue for all of us. We have been in touch with the CBN governor.

“Moving on from Monday, banks will open and they will operate normal services from 8am to 2pm. That is six hours but there will be the usual restrictions. For instance, self-distancing and the use of temperature monitors, hand hygiene, and making sure the capacities of banking halls are restricted so that people do not come together.”

Recall that President,  Muhammadu Buhari, during his address to the nation on Monday night, announced the “gradual easing” of the more than four-week lockdown in Abuja, Lagos and Ogun as part of measures to curb the spread of the pandemic.

He, however, imposed an 8pm to 6am curfew in the three places while mandating the public use of face masks to curb the community transmission of the virus.

Countries Analysis Affected By Coronavirus

Check out countries analysis, those that are lifting lockdown and be sure they didn’t just wake up to do that.