Nigeria hub: over 15,500 virus cases in June, eased lockdown etc.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, became the third African country to record over 10,000 cases of COVID-19. The milestone was reached on May 31 when 307 new cases took its tally to 10,162.

As Africa’s biggest economy, the federal government has continued to enforce regulations across the board even though most state governments have moved to relax restrictions.

Lagos being the economic nerve center is rolling out a progressive reopening of the economy. It is the most impacted state with over 5,000 cases as of May 31. Only Cross River State had yet to record a case.

The national response is led by the Presidential Task Force, PTF, led by SGF Boss Mustapha along with a national coordinator and relevant ministers – chief among them, Health, Foreign Affairs and Education ministries. At the heart of the response is the Nigeria Center for Disease Control, NCDC.

This article is dedicated to covering events from the country throughout the month of June. Our May 2020 daily updates page also gives you a rundown of major activities.

June 2020: Nigeria grows cases by over 15,000

In the month of June alone, Nigeria’s coronavirus cases grew by over 15,500 cases. The country also introduced an eased lockdown which entered phase II as of today, July 1.

Nigeria as of today is Africa’s third most impacted behind only South Africa and Egypt. The federal and state governments are working to increase testing as authorities stress that cases definitely far exceed the current tally of 25,694.

Figures as of June 30 vs. June 1 = difference

• Confirmed case: 25,694 – 10,162 = 15,532
• Active cases: 15,358 – 6,868 = 8,490
• Recoveries: 9,746 – 3,007 = 6,739
• Number of deaths: 590 – 287 = 303

NCDC, John Hopkins Uni stats .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }

June 30: 25,133 cases, Ondo governor infected

Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, today confirmed that he had contracted COVID-19. According to a post on Twitter, he said he was asymptomatic and self isolating.

He now joins Abia State governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, who also confirmed being infected early this month. Governors Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna, Senator Bala Mohammed of Bauchi and Seyin Makinde of Oyo, have all recovered from the virus.

Over at the presidency, president Muhammadu Buhari led a virtual flagoff of a major gas pipeline. The Ajaokuta – Kaduna – Kano, AAK; gas pipeline project is led by the state oil firm, NNPC.

On the ground, Buhari was represented by the kogi State governor, Yahya Bello who cut the tape to mark the official flag-off of the construction phase of the project.

• Confirmed cases = 25,133
• Active cases = 15,158
• Recoveries = 9,402
• Number of deaths = 573

John Hopkins Uni stats valid as of June 29, 2020> Today I tested positive for #COVID19. All is well. I’m asymptomatic and have been self isolating. Work continues. Your continued prayers over my well being are most appreciated. pic.twitter.com/P5UH0SmBiw

— Arakunrin Akeredolu (@RotimiAkeredolu) June 30, 2020

June 29: 24,567 cases; Buhari receives Task Force

President Muhammadu Buhari today received a briefing from the Presidential Task Force, PTF, on COVID-19. The meeting comes as the second phase of the gradual easing of the lockdown ends.

The second phase of the gradual easing of the lockdown was for an initial period of four weeks – spanning June 2nd – 29th. It has been extended for another month spanning June 30 to July 27.

The chairman of the PTF said the taskforce remained: “committed to striking a delicate balance between lives and livelihood. Mr. President has carefully considered and approved that with the exception of some modifications, Phase 2 of the Eased Lockdown will be extended for another 4 weeks : 30 June – 27 July 2020.”

In the second phase, government had relaxed restrictions on banking operations and worship places. For the next four weeks inter state travel outside curfew hours will be allowed.

President Buhari has today approved the re-opening of schools only for students of graduating classes, to allow them prepare for examinations. That is, Primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3 and Senior Secondary School 3.

The PTF stressed that all Daycare and Primary schools to remain closed until further evaluation, except for Common Entrance pupils. All Secondary and Tertiary Institutions remain closed.

Arrangements to be made for exiting students resume as soon as possible for preparation for exams. Local air services are also expected to be restarted “as soon as practicable.”

Following this presentation, PMB has approved the following:

Phase 2 of Eased Lockdown will be extended for another 4 weeks (June 30–July 27)

Permission of movement across State Borders outside of curfew hours, from July 1#Thread https://t.co/TF8Bebhsvm

— tolu ogunlesi (@toluogunlesi) June 29, 2020

The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Chairman of the PTF, Boss Mustapha; also in attendance was Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire; the PTF National Coordinator, Dr Sani Aliyu and the Director General of the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu.

Federal government had retained the nationwide curfew but the time was reduced from 10pm to 4am, to limit social interactions and, therefore, reduce the risk of the transmissions of the virus which is now on community transmission level.

• Confirmed cases = 24,567
• Active cases = 14,995
• Recoveries = 9,007
• Number of deaths = 565

John Hopkins Uni stats valid as of June 28, 2020 June 28: 24,077 cases, guidelines for local flight

The 779 daily toll announced on Saturday is Nigeria’s record one-day infection and it took toll past 24,000 mark. As of Sunday afternoon, reports indicated that an Air Peace flight was repatriating hundreds of stranded Nigerians from the U.K.

Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika on Saturday disclosed that passengers looking to use local flights will need to be at the airport three hours to take off due to safety guidelines as part of flight resumption.

He said in the case of international flights, passengers may even have to be at the airport five hours to take off.

He led the COVID-19 task force for a visit to the Abuja and Lagos airports to access the readiness for flight resumption. “We aill announce all the protocols again before opening. But you need to be at the airport three hours ahead of your flight.

“The experience is quite nice but it takes a bit of time which is why you will need to be at the airport three hours before your local flight. For an international flight, we might do five hours,” he added.

Total confirmed cases = 24,077
Total recoveries = 8,625
Total deaths = 558
Active cases = 14,894

Figures valid as of close of day June 27, 2020

BREAKING NEWS.
Evacuation Update:

Airpeace flight conveying another batch of 315 Nigerians departs Heathrow Airport, London today.

The flight is expected to depart at about 10:30 am and is expected to arrive in Nigeria at about 5 pm local time today Sunday 28th, June 2020. pic.twitter.com/hw3b0omfga

— Major General Ezeaka Chidozie Ishola Buharideen (@Ezeakachidozie) June 28, 2020

June 27: 23,298 cases

A breakdown of cases by state can be found via https://t.co/zQrpNeOfet#TakeResponsibility pic.twitter.com/jbMF0U3YoB

— NCDC (@NCDCgov) June 26, 2020

June 26: 22,614 cases; infections definitely higher

National coordinator of Nigeria’s virus task force, Sani Aliyu, says the number of cases in Nigeria is far more than has so far been detected. He stressed the need for people to respect containment measures and do all it takes to stay safe and not contract the virus.

Speaking at the daily briefing of the task force in Abuja on THursday, he said: “Many countries in the world are fighting this pandemic. Over nine million people have tested positive, not suspicion, but tested positive for the disease and at least 22,000 of them are in Nigeria,” he said.

“There are thousands more in our country. For everyone case, there are a handful of cases that we are missing because we are not able to test everybody. The containment measures that were put in place to protect the public, are there to protect the public, they’re not there to swindle them.

“No sane country on earth will destroy its own economy willingly. No sane country on earth will take major decisions that they know would be detrimental to their economy. So we’re living in really challenging times and we couldn’t have taken these decisions just on the basis of maybe suspicion that a disease exists.

“This disease does exist. Whether we like it or not, it exists. If we want to survive it, we have to start believing in it.”

According to Aliyu, if people believed Ebola and Lassa fever without experiencing it first-hand, then there was no reason to doubt the existence of COVID-19 in the country.

“We do not need to know someone personally who has died from COVID-19 to believe it is real. In fact, I think it is a disservice and it is insensitive to those families that have lost loved ones for people to continue to claim that COVID-19 does not exist,” he said.

“Let us not wait for the virus to reach disastrous proportions before we begin to believe and act. We have already seen this happen in many other countries. We must learn from their experiences to mitigate preventable fatalities.”

• Confirmed cases = 22,614
• Active cases = 14,243
• Recoveries = 7,822
• Number of deaths = 549

John Hopkins Uni stats valid as of June 25, 2020 June 25: 22,020 cases, govt’s $6bn stimulus package

A a virtual federal executive committee meeting today, government announced a $6bn stimulus package to support businesses hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic. A committee led by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo put forward the proposal.

Nigeria as Africa’s most populous nation and having the biggest economy is looking to salvage millions of people who could slide into extreme poverty arising from the impact of the pandemic.

Government has repeatedly stressed that it was going to do all it takes to save especially small businesses and as many jobs. President Buhari months back said the virus response was going to be centered on protecting lives and livelihoods.

Nigeria is under pressure to stimulate growth and cut debt amid a slump in global oil prices. As one of the continent’s largest oil producers, funds from the commodity which has been impacted by the virus is vital for government spending.

The vice-president said the plan was also to put money into the economy, and hopefully stop it from slipping into recession. Reports indicate the the funds are intended for businesses and households.

• Confirmed cases = 22,020
• Active cases = 13,865
• Recoveries = 7,613
• Number of deaths = 542

John Hopkins Uni stats valid as of June 24, 2020 June 24: 21,371 cases; Kaduna lawmakers ordered to test

All lawmakers in the north central Kaduna state house of assembly have been ordered to undergo COVID-19 test. The order also covers all other staff after a positive case was recorded among the assembly staff last week.

Speaker Yusuf Zailani, gave the directive which was confirmed by Ali Kalat, deputy chairman, house committee on health, on Tuesday.

Kalat, further confirmed that some lawmakers have already tested and are free from the virus. He did not give details as to how many of them.

“The speaker has given directives that the entire workforce of the assembly should be subjected to coronavirus tests and the exercise is still going on at the assembly,” he said.

“Going forward, we have to surrender ourselves for testing so that we will be sure that the entire members of the assembly and its workforce are COVID-19 negative.

“All staff have converged for the exercise and it is ongoing. After the exercise we will close and wait for further directives from the executive.”

• Confirmed cases = 21,371
• Active cases = 13,500
• Recoveries = 7,338
• Number of deaths = 533

John Hopkins Uni stats valid as of June 23, 2020 June 23: 20,919 cases; Lagos gets new testing machine

The NCDC on Monday reported the unveiling of a new polymerase chain reaction (PCR) machine to boost COVID-19 testing in the country.

The machine is expected to help boost testing as the government looks to boost testing capacity to 3,000 per day. The facility is stationed at the Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL), a campus of the NCDC National Reference Laboratory in Lagos.

The machine was procured using part of the £661,000 UKAid funding the British government donated to the Nigeria branch of the World Health Organisation (WHO) this year.

In his remarks at the unveiling, Chikwe Ihekweazu, director-general of NCDC, said the machine will help in achieving the centre’s goal to test over two million people over the next three months. The NCDC confirmed that total samples tesed as of June 22 stood at 117,569.

Nigeria has been beneficiary of international assistance in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. The WHO, EU, UK and US have all advanced assistance in terms of materials and funds.

• Confirmed cases = 20,919
• Active cases = 13,285
• Recoveries = 7,109
• Number of deaths = 525

John Hopkins Uni stats valid as of June 22, 2020> Yesterday, DG Chikwe_I joined colleagues from DFIDNigeria for a visit to Central Public Health Laboratory, Yaba, Lagos

We are grateful for DFIDNigeria's donation of PCR equipment to this lab, one of 38 in the #COVID19 Molecular Laboratory Network#TakeResponsibility pic.twitter.com/7t8qUQvSvY

— NCDC (NCDCgov) June 22, 2020

June 22: 20,919 cases; sub-500 new cases in five days

Nigeria’s case load went past 20,000 mark at close of day June 21 when 436 new cases took the tally to 20,244 confirmed cases. Deaths have reached 518 with 6,879 recoveries. The active cases as of today were 12,847.

The 436 new cases means for the first time in five days, the daily toll was not above 500. The breakdown of the above 500 tallies are as follows:

• June 20 = 661 new cases
• June 19 = 667 new cases
• June 18 = 745 new cases
• June 17 = 587 new cases

Meanwhile the federal aviation authority has reported that the Lagos local airport was preparing for the resumption of local flights. Among other measures with distancing rules at its seating area a,d copious regulations at vantage areas.

Even though local flights were expected to resume this week, authorities announced a postponement according to local media outlets. But for many other Nigerians, their concern is as to when air traffic will be opened for international travel.

Currently, the only international airlines flying into the country are those evacuating citizens from across the world and those undertaking humanitarian work like that of most aid agencies.

17 Nigerian evacuees from #Senegal arrived Abuja with FlyAirSenegal on Sunday. #StayHomeSaveLives #COVID19 #PTFCOVID19 NigeriaGov DigiCommsNG FMICNigeria

— Geoffrey Onyeama (@GeoffreyOnyeama) June 22, 2020

June 21: cases near 20,000; doctors call off strike, flight resumption pushed

Nigeria looks set to hit the 20,000 mark after cases reached 19,808 on Saturday. Recoveries are at 6,718 with 12,584 active cases and 506 deaths.

Government has meanwhile released payments made in lieu of Special Hazard Allowance to over 55,000 health workers. The presidency said in a tweet today that N4,642,485,146.00 (4.642 billion Naira) has so far been paid in 35 Covid-19 designated hospitals and medical centres. Additional payments are currently being processed.

Reports indicate that governors have reached an agreement with striking resident doctors to resume their duties. The upcoming reopening of airports and resumption of local flights has also been postponed.

- 10% of Consolidated Basic Salary to Non-Health Professionals engaged
in those centres

- 20% of Consolidated Basic Salary as special allowance to all health workers directly managing Covid-19 patients in Treatment and Isolation Centres.

— Presidency Nigeria (@NGRPresident) June 21, 2020

• Confirmed cases = 19,808
• Active cases = 12,584
• Recoveries =6,718
• Number of deaths = 509

John Hopkins Uni stats valid as of June 20, 2020 June 20: 19,147 cases; July 3 for second US evacuation

Nigeria’s case load passed the 19,000 mark as of close of day June 19 with over 660 new cases recorded across the country. Deaths reached 487 and recoveries reached 6,581 according to the NCDC.

Foreign Affairs Minister today presented a communique detailing the second evacuation flight from the United States to Nigeria, which flight is scheduled for July 3.

The June 17 statement by the Consulate of Nigeria in New York said the Ethiopian Airlines flight ET509 will depart Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey on Friday July 3 and is expected to arrive in Lagos the following day.

Some of the guidelines include buying tickets directly from the airline operator, forwarding names to the consulate for processing, having a COVID-19 test result of not older than 14 days. Carrying hygiene supplies and undergoing a temperature check hours before boarding.

All evacuees will also be expected to observe the mandatory 14-day quarantine under the supervision of relevant authorities upon their return to Nigeria.

• Confirmed cases = 19,147
• Active cases = 12,079
• Recoveries =6,581
• Number of deaths = 487

John Hopkins Uni stats valid as of June 19, 2020 June 19: 18,480 cases, flurry of evacuee arrivals

Nigeria hit the 18,000 mark as of close of day June 18 as deaths reached 475 and recoveries hit 6,307 according to the NCDC.

Meanwhile there is what could be described as a flurry of evacuee arrivals in the capital Abuja and Lagos with a number of citizens arriving from across the world.

The diaspora commission, NIDCOM, reported on Thursday that an Air France flight departed Paris to Lagos with 15 Nigerians on board from France, Germany, Belgium, Holland and Estonia. They are said to have registered for the evacuation with the Nigerian Missions in these countries.

NIDCOM today reported that 50 stranded Nigerians in Pakistan landed in Abuja, at about 01:45 via Tarco Air. Another 300 stranded Nigerians arrived at the Abuja Airport from Dubai.

• Confirmed cases = 18,480
• Number of deaths = 475
• Recoveries = 6,307
• Active cases = 11,698

Stats valid as of close of day June 18, 2020

#COVIDー19:
EVACUATION UPDATE

300 Stranded Nigerians in UAE landed in Abuja, Nigeria today, Friday 19th June 2020 via emirates.

All Evacuees are to go on Compulsory 14 days SELF ISOLATION according to the new Protocol by the Presidential Task Force on #Covid_19 DigiCommsNG pic.twitter.com/3a7Mf9y2av

— Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (@nidcom_gov) June 19, 2020

June 18: tally nears 18,000; over 1,700 recoveries in a week

Tallies show that 1,761 recoveries have been recorded in one week as COVID-19 toll nears 18,000. NCDC updates showed that 587 new cases had taken the tally to 17,735.

Overall recoveries stood at 5,967 by close of day June 17 with 469 deaths. Kaduna State today received mobile testing centers, governor Nasir el-Rufai announced via social media.

The state is 8th on the most impacted list with 490 cases so far. “The mobile testing vehicle uses GeneXpert machines for the Covid-19 test. KDSG has imported 9800 of these test kits, the first government in Nigeria to do so. The state is seeking to import 40,000 more to meet its target of 50,000 Covid-19 tests,” the governor added.

KADUNA UPDATE: Malam Nasir elrufai has formally received the mobile testing vehicle sent by USAID to support the state’s Covid-19 testing efforts. KDSG is using the vehicle to expand its community testing efforts for the duration of its deployment to the state... pic.twitter.com/ahpccwbbdc

— Governor Kaduna (GovKaduna) June 18, 2020

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says six airlines have passed the airworthiness requirements in readiness for the resumption of commercial flight operations.

NCAA’s director for airworthiness standards, made the disclosure during a webinar earlier this week. “Six of the airlines have crossed the mark from the point of view of airworthiness.

“We have asked all the airlines that they should use only reagents that are approved by the original equipment manufacturers of their different aircraft types to disinfect their machines,” Ita Awak said.

The tentative date for the resumption of domestic flights in the country is June 21, 2020. Operators are however worried about restrictions on the number of passengers that they will be allowed to carry in the light of physical distancing rules.

Samson Fatokun, West Africa area manager of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), warned that airlines would not break even with the proposed 70 percent load factor. Airlines are expected to keep their middle seats empty.

Allen Onyeama, CEO of Air Peace airline, summed up the headache for airlines who he says would likely have to transfer costs to other passengers.

“If you want to now distribute the cost on the few people who are flying, about 50 percent or 70 percent who are flying, maybe an aircraft of about 140-seater, you are flying only 90 people, you have to distribute the other seats not being flown on the passengers

“Can Nigerians afford N70,000 worth of ticket on less than one-hour flight?” he quizzed.

Total confirmed cases = 17,735
Total recoveries = 5,967
Total deaths = 469
Active cases = 11,299

Figures valid as of close of day June 17, 2020

INFOGRAPHICS: #Coronavirus month-on-month situation report #COVID19 #StayHome #lockdown #TheCableIndex pic.twitter.com/XcVCNSPEdD

— TheCableIndex (@thecableindex) June 18, 2020

June 17: 17,148 cases; govt hails role of media

The government has underlined the centrality of the media’s role in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Information Minister Lai Mohammed, however, appealed for more support.

He was speaking on Tuesday in a virtual meeting with the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN). ”The government is very grateful to the media. You have done a lot to bring our message (on the pandemic) to Nigerians,” he said.

He cited a poll that said 99% of Nigerians are aware of the pandemic while 95% had received information on how to protect themselves.

According to the minister, the sole preventive option available remained the Non Pharmaceutical Intervention (NPI), so long as the search for a drug and vaccine continued. He urged citizens to practice physical distancing, wearing of face mask, and avoiding mass gathering whiles ensuring personal hygiene.

“You see, the truth of the matter is that as long as there is no vaccine or drug for Covid-19, the only way we can all survive is through the Non Pharmaceutical Intervention, which is actually anchored on advocacy and public sensitization and there is no way you can do this without the media in whatever form, whether it is the print, electronic or the New Media.

“Yes we are going to spend more on research and ventilators but we will spend less money on ventilators, less on isolation centres if we invest just a fraction of what we are spending on ventilators in the media,” the Minister added.

Meanwhile cases reached 17,148 as of close of day June 16. Testing has increased to almost 100,000 samples, NCDC records say. A paltry sum compared to South Africa’s over 1.1 million tests till date.

Confirmed cases = 17,148
Active cases = 11,070
Recoveries = 5,623
Deaths = 455

John Hopkins Uni stats valid as of close of day June 16, 2020

June 16: 16,658 cases, 3-year govt response plan

The government has developed a three-year Health Sector Response plan for the coronavirus pandemic, Health Minister Osagie Ehanire disclosed yesterday. The fine details of the plan are yet to be given.

Speaking at the daily PTF briefing in Abuja, he stressed that the virus was likely to stay around for long while and thus it was imperative that citizens master the art of living with it.

“We have developed a Health Sector Response Plan to cover the next 3 years divided into near, medium and long term.”

He also reiterated federal efforts aimed at boosting capacity of states in responding adequately to the virus. “Efforts are ongoing to increase the number of labs with priority given to states that do not have PCR labs including Cross River and Kogi states.”

Meanwhile the controversy relating to how musician Naira Marley managed to fly from Lagos to Abuja was unravelled yesterday when Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika disclosed that an operator, Executive Jets, has misled the authorities in the episode.

Operations of the flight company have been suspended indefinitely, will also be fined. Flight Captain will also be sanctioned for providing false information.

“Going forward we willl escalate the mechanisms we have in place, and we will be stricter in our approvals (and enforcement),” the Minister stressed.

Aviation authorities had given approval for a judge to be allowed to move from Lagos to Abuja for official duties unbeknownst to them, ExecuJet had instead flown Naira Marley and his entourage to Abuja for a concert that was not authorized.

It subsequently degenerated leading to outrage on social media after social distancing regulations were breached. The FCT authorities have since shut down the venue.

Total confirmed cases = 16,658
Total recoveries = 5,349
Total deaths = 424
Active cases = 10,885

Figures valid as of close of day June 15, 2020

June 15: 16,085 cases, resident docs strike, Abuja concert controversy

True to a threat made weeks back, resident doctors in the country are going ahead with a strike action starting today over poor pay and a lack of personal protective equipment for health workers.

The Association of Resident Doctors’ president confirmed to the BBC that they will stop providing all services including emergency care and coronavirus treatment.

Aliyu Sokomba, their leaders said the government had failed to respond to their demands, including higher risk allowance in line with their frontline role in managing the pandemic.

The strike will impact health care delivery given that one in every three doctors operating in Africa’s most populous nation is a resident doctor.

Case load passed the 15,000 mark as Nigeria consolidated third most impacted spot in Africa behind South Africa and Egypt.

Over the weekend, a lockdown concert by artiste Naira Marley stoked debate on social media after what was supposed to have patrons enjoy the show from their cars degenerated.

The FCT authorities have closed the venue of the event but more questions are being asked about how the musician and his entourage managed to fly from Lagos into Abuja for the show at a time there was still a ban on local flights.

Total confirmed cases = 16,085
Total recoveries = 5,220
Total deaths = 420
Active cases = 10,445

Figures valid as of close of day June 14, 2020

June 13: 15,181 cases; more evacuations underway

Evacuation of citizens continues aith the Foreign Affairs Minister reporting that 102 Nigerians arrived from Egypt on Friday via Egypt Air whereas 260 others were expected to arrive from India Saturday morning aboard Air Peace.

Meanwhile, government has since June 8 via the office of the secretary general to the government of the federation has published a series of before, during and after guidelines for persons being evacuated.

Evacuees are also expected to fill a form of consent for self-isolation and quarantine purposes. Evacuation is also for the time being to only Lagos and Abuja for now, according to government.

• Confirmed cases = 15,181
• Number of deaths = 399
• Recoveries = 4,891
• Active cases = 9,891

Stats valid as of close of day June 12, 2020

VIDEO:
EVACUATION UPDATE:

269 Stranded Nigerians in India landed in Nigeria (103 in Lagos, 166 in Abuja) today, Saturday 13th June 2020., about 2am, after a few hours of delay.

All Evacuees now on Compulsory 14 days SELF ISOLATION according to the new Protocol…#Thread pic.twitter.com/4OP7zKvqvY

— Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (@nidcom_gov) June 13, 2020

June 12: 14,554 cases, rape SoE, Buhari bemoans virus impact

Nigeria recorded a daily record toll of 681 cases as the case load reached 14,554 with 387 deaths and 4,494 recoveries. The previous record of 663 cases in a day was recorded close of day Tuesday, June 9.

President Buhari in a national broadcast to mark the Democracy Day celebrations touched on a myriad of issues but stressed the impact of COVID-19 on the economy of the country.

The president mentioned COVID-19 about 15 times throughout the address with some of the quotes being: “We have witnessed eleven quarters of consecutive GDP growth since exiting recession.

“The GDP grew from 1.91% in 2018 to 2.27% in 2019 but declined to 1.87% in the first quarter of 2020 as a result of the decline in global economic activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“Nigeria recorded its first case of COVID-19 on February 27th 2020 and within the first 100 days, I have had cause to address the nation on three occasions within one month, which underscores the gravity of this pandemic.”

“The overall objective of the PTF COVID-19 is to ensure that the pandemic does not overwhelm our health systems, while ensuring that we maintain an effective Case Management System to help in containing the spread of the virus.”

“I am confident that the steps being taken by the PTF would result in flattening the COVID-19 curve. I, therefore, implore all Nigerians to abide by the approved guidelines and protocols. There is hope for us all if we take individual and collective responsibility.

“Government is determined to turn this COVID-19 challenge into a motivation to action by building a nation-wide public health care system that will help us overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare for any future outbreak.”

• Confirmed cases = 14,554
• Number of deaths = 387
• Recoveries = 4,494
• Active cases = 9,673

Stats valid as of close of day June 11, 2020

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June 11: 13,873 cases, Ekiti to enforce restrictions

The Ekiti State government on Wednesday warned that it was going to enforce virus restrictions issued by Governor Kayode Fayemi given that some residents continued to disregard the order especially on banning public gatherings.

“Members of the public are urged to take note that though movement and business activities are allowed from Monday to Friday, the ban on large gatherings is still in force in the State.

“Dusk to dawn curfew, inter-state travel, and the ban on social events like birthday parties, religious gatherings, festivals, political party meetings or rallies, as well as other forms of gathering of more than 20 persons, have not been lifted in Ekiti State,” the statement read in part.

Over in virus-free Cross River State, the government has begun the production of personal protective equipment which will be distributed to health facilities and schools in the state. Governor Ben Ayade on Tuesday, unveiled the PPE made at the state-owned garment factory.

He disclosed that the equipment included face masks, face shields and PPE overalls, some of which are to be deployed free of charge as the state commences trial resumption of public schools. According to him, the initiative is part of efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

“I think that the federal government will be excited to encourage the resumption of schools because obviously the coronavirus has come to stay with us and the reality is that countries that have attempted to resume schools have had to contend with the increasing prevalence of the virus but obviously how long can we wait as a country?” he asked.

“So perhaps, we have to adopt a new lifestyle that will integrate coronavirus as part of our lifestyle,” he added.

• Confirmed cases = 13,873
• Number of deaths = 382
• Recoveries = 4,351
• Active cases = 9,140

Stats valid as of close of day June 10, 2020

June 10: Record 663 cases as cases pass 13,000

Nigeria recorded its highest daily tally on Tuesday with 663 new cases as the case load hit 13,464 according to the NCDC.

In other developments, Kaduna State became one of the last states across the north to lift its strict lockdown which lasted 75 days. Governor Nasir el-Rufai announced the lifting of the measure on Tuesday evening.

Evacuations of Nigerians is set to restart, Foreign Affairs Minister Geoffrey Onyeama announced on Monday. He disclosed that support from the Dangote Foundation had made it possible to restart after the move was suspended over logistical constraints.

Addressing the cost of evacuations at the Task Force briefing in Abuja, national coordinator Sani Aliyu said: “At the moment as far as I know, only N169 million or so was spent by the ministry of foreign affairs on evacuation of Nigerians mainly on air accommodation.

“We have got about N22 billion that was released to the PTF and just to make it clear, the PTF is not a procuring body. At the moment, that is like 0.002% and the reason why we haven’t spent so much is because of the need for prudence in the first place.

“A lot of MDAs are yet to do their procurement and a lot of MDAs are still using their 2020 budgets for their activities and as far as I am concerned, there is no problem here. We are in a pandemic situation so we are making sure that the resources we have are being used appropriately,” he said.

Members of one of Nigeria’s main medical unions say they will go on strike from Monday following frustration over pay and a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE).

“Inhumane and hopeless” is how the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors has described the situation for some medics in a strongly worded statement.

They are calling on their members to stop providing all medical services including emergency care and coronavirus treatment.

A nationwide strike will affect isolation centres where coronavirus patients are being treated as well as hospitals and other medical facilities. Resident doctors make up one of the largest percentage of healthcare workers in state-run specialist hospitals.

Doctor strike information by BBC Africa LIVE page

• Confirmed cases = 13,464
• Number of deaths = 365
• Recoveries = 4,206
• Active cases = 8,893

June 9: 12,801 cases, Kano mystery deaths virus-related

Most unexplained deaths across Nigeria’s northern Kano State months back were virus-related, health minister Osagie Ehanire has said.

According to him up to 60% of nearly 1,000 unexplained deaths were probably due to COVID-19. Local media outlets quoted the Minister as saying 979 deaths were recorded overall in Kano.

The team dispatched by the presidential task force on COVID-19 reached the conclusion after looking into a spike in deaths. The deaths claimed mostly elderly people with pre-existing health conditions.

A number of the victims died in hospitals whiles a sizeable number died at home. Jigawa and Bauchi States also recorded similar spikes.

“With regard to the unexplained death that occured in Kano, the team confirmed that a total of 979 deaths were recorded in eight municipal local areas of the state at the rate of 43 deaths per day.

“By the end of April the number has started to reduce and have now settled to 11 deaths per day. The verbal autopsy revealed that 56 percent of the deaths had occurred at home while 38 were in the hospital.

“The investigation suggests that 50-60 (percent) may have been triggered by COVID-19 in the face of pre existing illness, a significant part was also triggered by inability to access routine care at the time due to the scare of COVID-19. Most of the fatalities were over 65 years old,” he said.

• Confirmed cases = 12,801
• Number of deaths = 361
• Recoveries = 4,040
• Active cases = 8,400

Stats valid as of June 8, 2020

June 8: Abia governor tests positive, churches reopen

Abia State governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, is the latest leader of state government to be infected. Abia commissioner of information confirmed this morning that the governor had tested positive for COVID-19.

John Okiyi Kalu, added that the governor had gone into isolation and subsequently directed his deputy to act as governor whiles he undergoes treatment and resumes duty.

He joins a list that included Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna, Senator Bala Mohammed of Bauchi and Seyin Makinde of Oyo all of who have recovered from the virus.

The commissioner’s statement read in part: ”Recall that on Saturday, 30th May, 2020, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu volunteered his sample for COVID-19 test and subsequently directed members of the state Executive Council (EXCO) and those of the inter-ministerial committee on COVID-19 to submit themselves for the same test.

“On Tuesday, 2nd June, 2020. Tthe result of Governor Ikpeazu’s test returned negative. On Thursday, 4th June, 2020, the Governor submitted another sample at NCDC laboratory for confirmation and the result returned positive.

”As a result, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has gone into isolation, as required by relevant NCDC protocols, and he is being managed by a competent team of medical practitioners with a view to nursing him back to good health.

”Consequent on the above, the Governor has directed his Deputy, Rt Hon Ude Oko Chukwu, to act on his behalf pending his full resumption of duties.

”We wish to urge all Abians to take the fight against COVID-19 serious as the disease is real but not a death sentence. Our state has the resources to manage patients back to good health.”

Places of worship, especially churches have resumed operations across the country. In Abuja, happy congregants expressed joy at being able to worship communally despite restrictions. Not all churches opened, as a number of them chose to remain closed for the time being.

Total confirmed cases = 12,486
Total recoveries = 3,959
Total deaths = 354
Active cases = 8,173

Figures valid as of close of day June 7, 2020

VIDEO: Abia only state in the Bible… #coronavirus will pass us by, says GovernorIkpeazu

Video credit: Onyebuchi Ememanka#coronavirus #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/DjLoUk4lyO

— TheCable (thecableng) March 22, 2020

June 7: 12,233 cases, death toll at 342

Nigeria continues to strengthen for capacity in response to COVID-19, 100 days since the index case was recorded in Lagos, this is according to head of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control, NCDC, Chikwe Ihekweazu.

In a series of tweets on Saturday, he praised the leadership of the president Muhammadu Buhari and the coordination of the Presidential Task Force team, the Federal Ministry of Health and governors for their respective roles.

“In the last 100 days, our resilience has helped us pull through. I am especially grateful to members of the NCDC Team, health workers, drivers, cleaners, our partners and every person involved in the #COVID19Nigeria response.

“ We will build on these lessons for improved response,” he added. The country’s case load continues to rise within the average 300 new cases per day range and had reached 12,233 mark.

Total confirmed cases = 12,233
Total recoveries = 3,826
Total deaths = 342
Active cases = 8,065

Figures valid as of close of day June 6, 2020

It is 100 days since the index case of #COVID19 was recorded in #Nigeria. We have continued to strengthen our response capacity

Grateful for the leadership from MBuhari & coordination through PTFCOVID19 Fmohnigeria. Also grateful for the work done by various State Governors pic.twitter.com/aMhc6GySg2

— Chikwe Ihekweazu (Chikwe_I) June 6, 2020

June 3: 10,819; health workers infected

The Nigerian Center for Disease Control, NCDC, confirmed on Tuesday that over 800 health workers had contracted COVID-19. Out of the 812 infected, 29 were NCDC staff.

Chief Executive Chikwe Ihekweazu said the center had provided staff with Personal Protective Equipment, PPE. Contrary to claims that such workers were largely exposed in the line of work.

Government has also announced that private hospitals will now be allowed to treat COVID-19 patients. This is a reversal of an earlier order that banned such actions.

Hospitals will be expected to register with respective state governments and to train their staff
appropriately for the purpose.

• Confirmed cases = 10,819
• Number of deaths = 314
• Recoveries = 3,240
• Active cases = 7,265

Stats valid as of June 2, 2020

June 2: 10,578, restrictions eased

Nigeria has a total of 774 local government areas (LGAs). 20 of of those 774 LGAs account for 60% of all Covid-19 cases in the country, the PTF declared as it announced wide raging lifting of virus restrictions.

All schools remain closed whiles places of worship can resume operations whiles observing necessary protocols. Religious houses opening limited to once a week (regular services only), few hours hours max; but schools are several hours .No tentative dates on opening of international flights for now. But Aviation Minister says evaluation ongoing, will also involve some guidance from ICAO.

• There would be full opening for the financial sector with banks now allowed to operate with more working hours five days a week.

• The mass gathering of more than 20 people outside of a work place or places of worship remain prohibited.

• There would be controlled access to markets and locations of places of economic activities but local authorities will continue to provide guidance on opening times.

• Restrictive opening of places of worship will be based on state governments protocols and strict guidelines on physical distancing and other non-pharmaceutical interventions and just to clarify this would apply to the regular church and mosque services only.

• Mandatory supervised isolation of person of persons arriving the country will continue to be for 14 days until a new policy comes into play.

• There would be no further evacuation of Nigerians until a new policy currently developed with the private sector comes into place.

• Ban of gatherings of more than 20 people outside of a workplace;

• Confirmed cases = 10,578

• Number of deaths = 299

• Recoveries = 3,122

• Active cases = 7,157

Stats valid as of June 1, 2020

June 1: Cases top 10,000; Task Force meets Buhari

COVID-19 cases in Nigeria reached the 10,000 mark on May 31 with 307 new cases pushing Nigeria past the line only crossed till date by South Africa and Egypt. With 10,162 cases, Nigeria is only behind leader South Africa (32,683 cases) and Egypt (24,985 cases).

The Presidential Task Force, PTF, yesterday held their weekly briefing with President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidency. SGF and leader of the PTF, Boss Mustapha said they presented a report to Buhari in which they made recommendations on reopening places of worship, schools and businesses across the country.

“But you know that Mr President is the only one that can take decisions in respect of that. In the framework, the states are sub-nationals; they have their own responsibilities too.

So, it is in the exercise of those responsibilities that they met with religious bodies and agreed on the protocols and guidelines on how to open up. But in the framework of the national response, we are taking that into consideration,” he said.

The SGF stressed a long held position by the PTF that the states governments will take responsibility for the next phase of the lockdown relaxation.

• Confirmed cases = 10,162
• Number of deaths = 287
• Recoveries = 3,007
• Active cases = 6,868

Stats valid as of May 31, 2020

– Nigeria COVID