President Buhari declares a lockdown in affected areas.
It remains a question of concern if Nigeria could go on national lockdown. Already the president has imposed lockdown in Lagos, Osun and Abuja, all in efforts to arrest the spreading virus. Similarly, other nations have also adopted the same measures to curb the virus.
The President of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari declared the lockdown in Lagos, Osun and Abuja official on 30th March after he signed the lockdown regulations. The quarantine act empowered the president to impose this measure.
The lockdown rules allowed people to access online services, i.e. using ATM and online transactions. However, it exempted money markets from conducting heavy operations. To enhance social distance amongst people. Especially since on 8th the total confirmed coronavirus cases in the country were 276.
The Nigeria government considers traditional treatment.
During a press briefing, Osagie Ehanire, the Nigerian health minister, stated that the country will consider using traditional medication to fight the virus. This practice will involve highly experienced traditional doctors.
“We will look into every assertion. Some people say they have herbs and some say they have concoctions. Only for those that are serious, the department of traditional, complementary and alternative medicine in the ministry of health will look into their claims and we will not throw away any suggestion. The efficacy and efficiency of these medicines have to be proven first before it is recommended for people to take,” he said.
Chinese Medical team arrives in Nigeria to help curb the virus.
On 8th April, a group of 15 Chinese medical practitioners arrived at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Nigeria to help the country curb the virus. However, the Nigerian medics argued that they had enough doctors and hence did not require any help from overseas. The health minister stressed that the team was much more skilled and experienced in handling the virus. As such, they needed their help. Besides, the team quarantined for 14 days hence they needed not be afraid of contracting the virus.
Chinese Aid Criticized.
Doctors in Nigeria protested upon the arrival of the Chinese medical team. They preferred instead the government could make use of the unemployed medical personnel in the country. They argued that the team was not even familiar with the challenges in Nigeria.For instance, their culture. The health minister, however, dispelled the complaints saying they needed the skills and expertise of the team.
The NCDC also dismissed rumors that the protective materials donated by China were infected. Saying the donated medical kits would serve effectively if used well and there was no evidence, they were unsafe.
The Nigerian government demands Beijing to curtail the mistreatment of Nigerians in China.
On Thursday, Nigeria’s federal government invited the Chinese Ambassador Zhou Pingjian to address allegations of mistreatment of Nigerians living in Guangzhou. They demanded the Chinese government to intervene immediately. BBC reporter Danny Vincent in China, Hong Kong, reported on Tuesday they had not resolved the situation. As the Nigerians were being evicted.
Rumors had it that the evictions and door to door testing preceded allegations that thousands of the African nationalities were infected and spreading the virus. One victim, a Nigerian student, reported to BBC they were starving and forced to quarantine. He said they wanted to return to their home countries, especially since they were being discriminated on. He even wondered what was wrong with China.
The Nigerian foreign ministry affirmed that they were making necessary arrangements to evacuate the homeless Nigerians who wanted to return home.
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