Naira under pressure, banks withholding Dollar supply
The decision of the Foreign Portfolio Investors, FPIs, to exit the country in the wake of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic as well as the huge decline in the price of crude oil in the international market have put severe pressure on both external reserves and the exchange rate. As at last weekend, oil price lost…
Two COVID-19 patients escape from Borno isolation
Two patients, Abbas Hassan, a 24-year-old male and Hauwa Mohammed, 42-year-old female, are on the run after testing positive for COVID-19 at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital in Borno State. The man is said to be residing at Layin Tanki in Gwange II while the woman lives in Shuwari ward, both in Maiduguri. The…
COVID-19: Sanwo-Olu directs compulsory use of face mask from Monday
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Saturday, announced compulsory use of face mask by residents from Monday, April 27, as part of measures to stem the spread of COVID-19 pandemic which has continued to be on the rise in the state. Sanwo-Olu, who also disclosed other important measures taken by state, however, announced the…
COVID-19: Nigeria must prioritize homegrown strategies
Debo Onifade is the author of “Liberating Nigeria: A Guide to Winning Elections and Reviving our Country”, and the founder of the Nigeria Politics Online Forum: Liberating Nigeria. Nigeria is one of the greatest countries on earth in terms of human capital. So rather than blame China, the United States, Europe, or even Nigerian returnees…
Fabric face masks offer least protection, says pathologist
As confirmed cases of coronavirus continue to surge in Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said government might commence enforcement of wearing of face mask in public places from Monday. He also said one million locally-made face masks had been contracted to tailors and would be distributed to the public. However, experts say while wearing…
Shortage of PPE, N95 masks exposes us to infection risks —Lagos isolation centre workers
Healthcare workers treating COVID-19 patients at the Mainland Hospital, an infectious disease facility in Yaba, Lagos, have raised the alarm over alleged shortage of Personal Protective Equipment. They allege that the shortage of the crucial equipment is exposing them to risks of contracting the coronavirus. A reliable source at the hospital who spoke to PUNCH…
Nurses at Ikorodu General Hospital use nylon apron — NANNM
The Lagos State chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives has alleged shortage of Personal Protective Equipment for nurses and other healthcare workers in the state. They alleged that in their “collective battle to contain the COVID-19 global pandemic, many nurses are exposed to unnecessary risks as the PPE is not readily…
FG explains why lockdown can’t be relaxed as cases hit 1,095
The Federal Government, through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, has explained why the lockdown measure should not be relaxed amid efforts to contain the coronavirus pandemic. The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), had on March 29 ordered a lockdown of the Federal Capital Territory, Lagos and Ogun states for 14 days to curb…