By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Nigeria has recorded its first coronavirus death, the Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) confirmed on March 23, identifying the victim as a 67-yeard-old man who returned from the United Kingdom in March after undergoing medical treatment.
He had multiple underlying health conditions including cancer, diabetes, and had been undergoing chemotherapy treatments, the NCDC tweeted.
Two people, including an Italian who was the first case of coronavirus diagnosed in the country, have recovered and been discharged from the hospital.
Nigeria is firing on all cylinders to control the spread of coronavirus as cases had increased to 36 across six states by the morning of March 23.
Africa’s most populous nation has shut all schools, from primary to university, and asked churches and mosques to stop congregating as part of measures to prevent transmission of the virus.
All civil servants in non-essential roles are to work from home for at least two weeks in Lagos State, a megacity of 20 million people.
Nigeria has confirmed 36 cases but, as it happens everywhere else in the world, the numbers of cases and of deaths rise by the hour.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar tweeted on March 22 that his son has tested positive for coronavirus “and he has been moved to Gwagwalada Specialist Teaching Hospital in Abuja for treatment and management.
“I will appreciate it if you have him in your prayers. Stay safe, coronavirus is real.”
Across the world
In the UK, where the dead Nigerian had received medical treatment, Prime Minister Boris Johnson is mulling tightening restrictions further, and has also requested the cancellation of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
- The UK government is thinking “very, very actively” about stricter policies on social distancing.
- 281 people with the virus have died in the UK, with 5,683 cases in total.
- Italy enters a tougher lockdown, with all “non-essential” businesses closed, after recording the death of at least 23 doctors.
- Death toll in Spain passes 2,000.
- Canada and Australia say they will not send teams to the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
- South Korea reports lowest number of new cases in weeks.
- Passenger flights to Dubai International Airport are to be suspended.
- 350,000 confirmed cases worldwide, with nearly 15,000 deaths and almost 100,000 people recovering.
- There are now at least 34,000 coronavirus cases in the United States, where 414 people have died, with the Surgeon General Jerome Adams, even warning that “this week, it’s going to get bad.”
Merkel tests positive, self-isolates
German Chancellor Angela Merkel disclosed on March 22 that she would self-quarantine after coming into contact with a person who tested positive for coronavirus.
Steffen Seibert, her spokesperson, said a doctor gave her a vaccination on March 20, then tested positive for the virus shortly after. While in quarantine, Merkel will continuously be tested for coronavirus, he added.
Germany has implemented a “contact ban” to curb the spread of coronavirus, Merkel said at a press conference earlier on March 22.
The country would toughen its measures and encourage residents to “reduce contact with people as much as possible,” she stressed.
“To that end, Germany will ban gatherings of more than two people,” Merkel added. Exceptions, she later explained, include families and people living together.
She urged people to adhere to “a minimum distance of 1.5 to 2 metres” to prevent the spread of the virus, insisting that restaurants, hair salons, and tattoo shops would close.
The measures would be in place for at least two weeks, according to Merkel.
Coronavirus facts and fiction
With so many coronavirus related health stories, myths and rumours, the BBC reports that we all need to be aware of what is true and what is not.
Below, the world broadcaster puts together information to check the facts from the fakes.
Check particularly with the World Health Organisation (WHO) any stories that might come up over the next few weeks, the BBC advised.
Should we all be wearing face masks?
No. According to the latest WHO advice, face masks will make little difference if you’re just walking around town so there is no need to bulk-buy.
It is however, crucial that health and social care workers wear them, and they are also recommended for people who are caring for someone who is ill, or who has been diagnosed with the coronavirus – ideally both the carer and patient should wear one.
Masks are only effective when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning and should always be thrown away properly into the bin whenever you remove it as they can carry germs just like a used tissue… ugh!
Can young people catch it?
Yes! People of all ages can be infected by coronavirus not just old people.
As with most illnesses, it can affect people differently, and people with existing health issues are most at risk, but yes, young people can become infected with coronavirus.
Healthy people, young or old, may not always become seriously ill but they can become infected and this is the main thing everyone is trying to stop!
Can eating garlic protect me from coronavirus?
NO! Drinking boiled garlic water, which some posts have suggested, or eating garlic will not protect you from coronavirus.
Yes, garlic is a healthy food that may have some antiviral properties which may help fight off a common cold but the WHO has confirmed that there is no evidence that eating garlic has protected people from the current outbreak of coronavirus.
All it may do is keep people away from you as you may smell quite bad if you consume too much garlic….
Does taking a hot bath protect you?
Taking a hot bath will not prevent you from catching COVID-19, the WHO has said. It can actually do more harm than good.
A normal body remains around 36.5°C to 37°C, regardless of the temperature of your bath or shower. Using extremely hot water can be more harmful as it can cause burns.
The WHO says washing hands regularly is the best way to stop the spread of the virus in its tracks.
Am I going to die if I catch it?
This is very much down to how healthy you were before you are diagnosed.
For the vast majority of people who don’t live with underlying conditions such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes, if you do contract coronavirus, the symptoms will, potentially, be very similar to the flu.
Can I catch coronavirus from a package delivery?
With so many of us shopping online and using home deliveries for goods it’s a legitimate question. There is currently no evidence that you can catch coronavirus from parcels and letters, manufactured in China or elsewhere.
Even though the new coronavirus can stay on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days (depending on the type of surface), it’s very unlikely that the virus will persist on a surface after being moved, travelled, and exposed to different conditions and temperatures.
If you think a surface could be contaminated, use a disinfectant to clean it.
Make sure you get the facts straight.
Coronavirus is spreading but we can all play a part in trying to slow this down and protect ourselves and others. Don’t rely on rumour or gossip, go to a trusted source such as the WHO website.
And follow the basic recommendations:
- Wash your hands, use a tissue for coughs and avoid touching your face.
- Wash your hands more often than usual, for 20 seconds – regularly and properly with soap and water or with hand sanitiser if water isn’t available.
- Wash your hands whenever you get home or into work; whenever you blow your nose, sneeze or cough and before and after you eat or handle food
- Catch it, bin it, kill it. Use a tissue rather than a hankie if you sneeze or cough and throw it in the bin
- Minimise your contact with people who have a fever and cough
- If you have a cough, fever or difficulty breathing seek advice over the telephone – do not go into your local surgery as you risk infecting others. Stay safe out there!
