Covid-19/THE CRISES…
•NRC shuts down rail operations
•Death toll rises to 12,978, infected cases jump to 304,035 globally
•Lagos reduces social gathering to 20 people
•Police to enforce restriction order
•Death toll rises to 12,978, infected cases jump to 304,035 globally
•Lagos reduces social gathering to 20 people
•Police to enforce restriction order
After recording 11 new cases of
Covid-19, bringing the total to 22, but with two fully recovered and
discharged, the federal government, on Saturday, announced sterner
measures to control the spread of the pandemic. The Nigerian Civil
Aviation Authority (NCAA) issued a directive restricting all
international flights to all Nigerian airports from tomorrow. But
exempted from the ban are “emergency aircraft, state aircraft and any
other aircraft that might be so approved by the appropriate authority,”
according to a clarification by the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency
(NAMA) dated March 21, 2020.
NAMA said, “However, any Intentional
flight operation that might be so approved shall be required to submit
manifest to the Port Health authority prior to arrival in Nigeria.
“Domestic flights shall continue normal operations at all airports.”
“Domestic flights shall continue normal operations at all airports.”
In a letter addressed to both domestic
and foreign airlines, NCAA said in addition to earlier restriction of
flights to Kano, Port Harcourt and Enugu airports, it would from
tomorrow ban all international flights to Lagos and Abuja airports.
That was as the Emirates Airline said it
would be suspending all flights into Lagos and Abuja from its base in
Dubai, starting tomorrow, March 23, due to the effect of the
Coronavirus. The pandemic has infected 304,035 globally and claimed
12,978 lives, with Italy bearing the highest death number in the world.
Italy’s daily coronavirus death toll rose by 793 Saturday, bringing the
total to 4,825
In further stringent measures to suppress the spread of the virus, the federal government through the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) shut down train services across the country, starting, also, tomorrow.
In further stringent measures to suppress the spread of the virus, the federal government through the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) shut down train services across the country, starting, also, tomorrow.
Lagos State, where the first case of
Covid-19 was discovered, announced some new measures as a way of curbing
the spread of the virus, chief among which was a reduction in the
number of persons at social gatherings. From 50 announced in an earlier
directive, the state government reduced the number to 20, and commenced
immediate enforcement of the order.
NAMA Shut Airspace to Inbound and Outbound Flights Midnight Today
NCAA, in the letter with ref no NCAA/DG,
AIR/11/16/106, dated March 21, 2020 and issued from Lagos, stated,
“Further to our earlier letter on restriction of international flights
into Nigeria, we wish to inform you that effective Monday 23rd March at
2300Z to 23rd April at 2300Z, Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos (DNMM) and
Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja (DNAA) will be closed to
all international flights.
“This is in addition to the closure of Mallam Aminu Kano Inter
“This is in addition to the closure of Mallam Aminu Kano Inter
national Airport, Kano (DNKN), Akanu
Ibiam International Airport, Enugu (DNEN), and Port Harcourt
International Airport, Omagwa (DNPC) effective Saturday 21 March at
2300Z.
“Henceforth, all airports in Nigeria are closed to all incoming international flights with the exception of emergency and essential flights.
“Henceforth, all airports in Nigeria are closed to all incoming international flights with the exception of emergency and essential flights.
“Domestic flights will continue normal
operations at all airports. All airlines are required to submit
passenger manifest to Port Health Authorities prior to the arrival of
flights into Nigeria.”
NCAA’s Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Captain Musa Nuhu, signed the letter.
The closure of Nigeria’s five international airports to foreign flights effectively marks a lockdown of the country, as airlines and airports record huge revenue losses that could rise to a trillion dollars, if COVID-19 remains unabated in the days ahead.
NCAA’s Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Captain Musa Nuhu, signed the letter.
The closure of Nigeria’s five international airports to foreign flights effectively marks a lockdown of the country, as airlines and airports record huge revenue losses that could rise to a trillion dollars, if COVID-19 remains unabated in the days ahead.
NRC, in its own letter dated March 21,
2020 and signed by Deputy Director, Public Relations, Yakubu Mahmood,
for Board and Management, said the decision to suspend train services
was “in view of the report of the already known Coronavirus (Covid-19)
outbreak. Further information on passengers’ trains services will be
made available in due cause to our esteemed passengers.”
Apart from suspending operations to the
Nigerian airports, Emirates Airline said it would also cancel three
already booked flights to the country. It apologised to passengers for
the inconveniences caused by the cancellation.
The airline said, “Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and its impact on the aviation industry, Emirates will be suspending operations into Lagos and Abuja.
The airline said, “Due to the COVID-19 outbreak and its impact on the aviation industry, Emirates will be suspending operations into Lagos and Abuja.
“EK785/786; EK781/782 and EK783/784, the
above listed flights are cancelled from March 23, 2020. We regret any
inconveniences that this may cause. As the situation is being reviewed,
we will keep you posted. Passengers may visit our website for the latest
travel update information.”
10 New Cases of Covid-19 Confirmed
Confirming the 10 new cases of Covid-19,
the Federal Ministry of Health said three of the new cases were
discovered in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, while the
remaining seven were from Lagos State. These brought the total number of
confirmed cases in Nigeria to 22.
A statement issued Saturday by the
Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, said all 10 new cases were
Nigerians. Ehanire said nine of them had travel history to Canada,
France, Netherlands, Spain and United Kingdom and had returned to
Nigeria in the past one week; while the 10th case was a close contact of
a previously confirmed case.
The minister said the three cases in Abuja were being treated at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada, while the seven in Lagos were treated at the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), Yaba.
The minister said the three cases in Abuja were being treated at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), Gwagwalada, while the seven in Lagos were treated at the Infectious Disease Hospital (IDH), Yaba.
“All 10 new cases have mild to moderate
symptoms and are currently receiving treatment. As of the 21st of March
2020, 22 cases have been confirmed, two cases have been discharged and
there has been no death from COVID-19 in Nigeria. The Federal Government
of Nigeria remains committed to working with states to provide optimal
care for all confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country,” he said.
Ehanire explained that contact tracing was on-going to identify all persons, who had been in contact with the new cases.
He said Port Health Services of the Federal Ministry of Health had heightened screening at all air, land and sea points of entry into Nigeria and adapted the protocols to reflect the travel guidance issued by the Presidential Task Force on the Control of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
He said Port Health Services of the Federal Ministry of Health had heightened screening at all air, land and sea points of entry into Nigeria and adapted the protocols to reflect the travel guidance issued by the Presidential Task Force on the Control of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
According to the minister, the National
Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), led by the Nigeria Centre for Disease
Control (NCDC), supported by partners, has continued to coordinate
response activities and strengthen preparedness capacity across states
nationwide.
He stated, “An intensive national risk
communications campaign is on-going to inform Nigerians about COVID-19.
The Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), working closely with states and
the Presidential Task Force on the Control of Coronavirus (COVID-19),
continues to review response activities and institute measures to
protect the health of Nigerians.
“It is important that Nigerians strictly adhere to social distancing and other necessary precautions in place. These measures include taking the following precautions below to protect yourself and your family:
“It is important that Nigerians strictly adhere to social distancing and other necessary precautions in place. These measures include taking the following precautions below to protect yourself and your family:
“Wash hands regularly with soap and
water or use an alcohol-based sanitiser if no water and soap is
available. Social distancing is crucial to reducing the spread of
COVID-19 through use of no-touch greetings, maintaining at least two
metres distance between yourself and anyone, who is coughing or
sneezing.
“Other safeguards include staying home if you feel unwell with symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing. Immediately call NCDC’s 24/7 toll-free number 0800 9700 0010. Do not self-medicate, avoiding or postponing events with large gatherings of people, including schools, workplaces, places of worship, crowded supermarkets and pharmacies, social and sporting events.
“Other safeguards include staying home if you feel unwell with symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing. Immediately call NCDC’s 24/7 toll-free number 0800 9700 0010. Do not self-medicate, avoiding or postponing events with large gatherings of people, including schools, workplaces, places of worship, crowded supermarkets and pharmacies, social and sporting events.
“Persons with a persistent cough or
sneezing should stay at home until they recover. Make sure you and
people around you observe hand and respiratory hygiene by covering your
nose with tissue when sneezing or coughing.
“Immediately dispose of tissue in a covered bin and wash your hands with soap and water. Use an alcohol-based sanitiser if no water and soap is available, coughing or sneezing into the sleeve of your bent elbow if no tissue is available and avoid all non-essential travel to all countries.”
“Immediately dispose of tissue in a covered bin and wash your hands with soap and water. Use an alcohol-based sanitiser if no water and soap is available, coughing or sneezing into the sleeve of your bent elbow if no tissue is available and avoid all non-essential travel to all countries.”
Lagos State Govt Issues Guidelines
The Lagos State government issued
similar guidelines. Announcing this through the Ministry of Information
and Strategy, the government said, “The Lagos State Government has
banned all religious or social gathering of over 20 people within the
state. It is important we all adhere to this directive.”
The ministry added, “If you feel sick or have symptoms such as fever, fatigue, shortness of breath, cough or sneezing, call these emergency numbers 08000CORONA, 08023169485 08033565529 or 08052817243.”
The ministry added, “If you feel sick or have symptoms such as fever, fatigue, shortness of breath, cough or sneezing, call these emergency numbers 08000CORONA, 08023169485 08033565529 or 08052817243.”
Police Vows to Enforce Restriction Order
Consequently, the Lagos State Police
Command is set to commence enforcement of the ban on social gatherings,
clubs, parties, ceremonies and religious congregations of more than 20
persons. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bala
Elkana, defaulters will face the wrath of the law.
The police in Lagos said, “Lagos State
Police Command wishes to inform the general public that the command in
compliance with the guidelines and directives issued by both the federal
government and Lagos State government on prevention of the spread of
COVID-19, which the World Health Organisation has declared as a
pandemic, has embarked on massive enforcement of the ban order.
“To that effect, the command has
deployed adequate resources across the state to ensure that the orders
are fully obeyed. The order imposed bans on social gatherings, such as,
wedding ceremonies, naming ceremonies, burial ceremonies, parties, clubs
and religion gatherings of people more than 50 (now 20 in Lagos).
“Commercial vehicles carrying passengers
above capacity (overloading) are also part of this order. Members of
the public are encouraged to avoid overcrowding themselves at bus stops,
market places, business places and scene of incidents.
“The Commissioner of Police Lagos State,
CP Hakeem Odumosu, called on the good people of Lagos State to obey the
safety regulations put in place for the benefit of everyone. We must be
alive and healthy before socio-economic activities will be effective.
“The command has rolled out its medical team to market places for awareness creation and police detention facilities to safeguard the safety of suspects. The Commissioner of Police has ordered the immediate release of suspects arrested for minor offences as part of preventive measures. Together, we can prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
Already, following Governor Babajide
Sanwo-Olu’s directive on ban of public gathering above 20 people, a
combined team of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency
(LASEPA) and Lagos State Safety Commission have set out to enforce the
ban. The team has sealed Prime Mall Mega Plaza located in Lekki and
three other event centres for flouting the state government’s directive
on public gathering.
Worried by growing cases of the deadly
coronavirus in the state, Sanwo-Olu had on Friday banned public
gatherings of over 20 people in the state as part of measures to prevent
the pandemic.
Speaking during an enforcement
operation, General Manager, LASEPA, Dr Dolapo Fasawe, and the
Director-General Lagos State Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola, said the
safety of Lagosians was paramount to the state government.
Fasawe said it was gratifying that most event centres complied with the directive. She said among the areas visited were a film house at Lekki, Shoprite, Balmoral, Federal Palace Hotel, and the Dome.
The LASEPA head added that the
enforcement team also sealed Regency, Maltinos Event & Suites and
Imperial at Jobi Felle, Ikeja, as well as Prime Mall Mega Plaza at
Lekki, where a surprise party was to be held.
She said, “The banning of public/social
gathering by Mr Governor became imperative to save our dear state and
prevent our people from contacting the virus. COVID- 19 has become a
global pandemic, therefore, serious measures, such as this, must be
taken to reduce the spread and further stem the outbreak of the
pandemic.
“It is advisable we adopt social
distancing by keeping at least six-foot distance between ourselves and
others to prevent transmitting the virus seamlessly.
“For now, let us avoid crowds and large gatherings, such as weddings, concerts, sporting events, conferences and so forth. We are not unmindful of the implications of the restrictions, but it is crucial we collectively limit and control the spread.
“Lagos State is not in isolation, it’s a global pandemic, therefore, this strong efforts to suppress and push it back for the safety of all.”
“For now, let us avoid crowds and large gatherings, such as weddings, concerts, sporting events, conferences and so forth. We are not unmindful of the implications of the restrictions, but it is crucial we collectively limit and control the spread.
“Lagos State is not in isolation, it’s a global pandemic, therefore, this strong efforts to suppress and push it back for the safety of all.”
Fasawe said the inspection and
monitoring exercise was not to impose hardship on them but to access the
compliance level, educate the public on the need to obey, and ensure
total compliance.
“We appeal for understanding and support of all and sundry at this time. We should continuously keep our environment clean, watch our hands and avoid unnecessary contact with people,” she added.
“We appeal for understanding and support of all and sundry at this time. We should continuously keep our environment clean, watch our hands and avoid unnecessary contact with people,” she added.
On his part, the director-general of the
safety commission, Lanre Mojola, expressed satisfaction with the
monitoring exercise and enjoined the public to support the government in
the fight against the menace. Mojola said the war on the deadly virus
could only be won if everyone obeyed a simple directive to avoid actions
or activities that could put everyone at risk.
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