Africa, home to over 1 billion people, is experiencing a tough time during the coronavirus pandemic and Nigeria is no exception. Countries are coming together to help the African continent combat the virus. For example, Madagascar has been distributing some of its potions to other African countries who have been requesting it. In Senegal, the country is still using the hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19 patients.
Coronavirus cases In Nigeria
Cases in Nigeria have been increasing rapidly since April. At the beginning of this month, there were more than 1900 cases of coronavirus. By then the area of Kogi was virus-free while the state of Kano was experiencing a rise in cases. After a day, the country had the most cases in the West African region. The NCDC reports said that most cases were from Kano state.
Abdullahi Umar, governor of Kano state, declared a less restrictive lockdown measure. He further said that markets should not open except for those selling essential goods. Towards the end of week 1 Buhari, the head of state surrendered import taxes on supplies of medical equipment. The importance of the waiver was to support the health sector amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Coronavirus Updates In May
On May 6th, an Emirates plane flew over 260 Nigerian citizens to Abuja. The plane flew back to Dubai after it had just taken off after a woman gave birth in the plane and developed issues. During the 2nd week of the month, a tragic incident happened in one of the states. Nyesom Wike, a governor of Rivers State, ordered the destruction of 2 hotels. The governor says that it was because the hotels were not following the government’s rule of closing all hotels amid pandemic. One of the lawyers in the Human rights sector accused the Governor of bestowing himself powers he shouldn’t have.
As of May 20th, the cases of coronavirus surpassed the 6000 mark. Sani Aliyu, the national coordinator of the presidential task force, stressed out a very important point. He urged state governors to take more responsibility in fighting coronavirus disease.
Celebrations Under Tough Measures
At the time of Eid, president Buhari was to observe the sacred event under tough measures. The president was to say prayers in his house and avoid the traditional gathering of government officials. One of the statements in line with the directive measures read.
“This is also in line with the order of the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar 3 postponing Eid worshippers’ prayers across the state as well as the protocol against mass gathering issued by the presidential task force on coronavirus disease,”
Today, reports say that the country will participate in the trials in efforts of finding a vaccine for the virus. South Africa is also a part of vaccine development. Lai Mohammed, the information minister, says that Donald Trump demanded ventilators to be sent in the country. African countries lack enough ventilators for COVID-19 patients due to the high cost. The machine is very vital to a patient since it drives pure oxygen into an individual’s lungs.
More:
- Elderly Home Healthcare Services in Nigeria
- Hotels Demolished in Nigeria for Breach of Coronavirus Restrictions
