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FG warns against existence of Coronavirus Ransomware

Olugbenga ADANIKIN
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FG warns against existence of Coronavirus Ransomware

THE Federal Government has warned Nigerians to be mindful of the existence of an Android-based malicious and fraudulent coronavirus ransomware application.

Lai Mohammed,  Minister of Information and Culture, disclosed that the application claims to provide updates on the COVID-19 virus and infections near the users.

According to the minister, the ransomware blocks access to users’ personal data, and accounts and threatens to delete, except users pay $100 in Bitcoin within 48 hours.

In a statement signed by Segun Adeyemi, Special Assistant to the President, Office of the Minister of Information and Culture in Abuja, “the ransomware App, detected on the website http://www.coronavirusapp.site/, prompts users to download an Android App purportedly for coronavirus map tracking and heat map visuals.”

Website browser adopted by The ICIR to verify the website also issued a ‘dangerous’ warning, advising that the website contains a malware.

However, Mohammed noted that the developmentwas a confirmation of warnings against cybercriminals, seeking to exploit the growing spread of the virus for nefarious gains.

He, therefore, called on the general public not to download the ransomware App and to seek updates on the pandemic only from the appropriate authorities.

Nigeria, like every other nation globally, has been under threat due to the COVID-19 pandemic which currently has no cure.

So far, 42 cases have been officially announced by the Nigeria Centre or Disease Control (NCC). 39 active cases, two cases discharged and one death.

AMVCA attendees likely exposed to COVID-19 — Lagos Commissioner of Health

Ihuoma ILO
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AMVCA attendees likely exposed to COVID-19 — Lagos Commissioner of Health

LAGOS State Commissioner of Health, Akin Abayomi says participants at the just concluded Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCA), are most likely to have been exposed to the deadly coronavirus infection.

Abayomi disclosed this on Tuesday afternoon via his official Twitter handle where he wrote

“I hereby notify you that all participants at the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards (AMVCA) at Eko Hotels may have come in contact with one of the confirmed cases in Lagos and most likely to have been exposed to the COVID-19 infection.”

The commissioner however, did not disclose the identity of the coronavirus contact.

Nigerian documentary producer, Ifeoma Chukwuogo, had some time last week warned those who attended the just concluded AMVCA to self-isolate themselves as a suspected carrier of coronavirus attended the event.

According to Chukwuogo, a Nigerian celebrity flew in from the UK to attend the event.

The patient identified as celebrity photographer, Seun O, submitted himself for a test at the NCDC on Sunday, March 22.

Some Nigerian celebrities in the likes of Banky W and wife Adesua, Alex Asogwa popularly known as AlexUnusual, Mercy Aigbe, and so on, have also taken to their social media pages to reveal that they have however been in self-isolation since after the event.

Bauchi State gov tests positive to coronavirus

Seun DUROJAIYE
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Bauchi State gov tests positive to coronavirus

GOVERNOR of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, has tested positive to coronavirus, a statement released by his senior special assistant, Mukhtar Gidado, said on Tuesday.

Gidado, called on Nigerians to pray for his principal, whom he stated is now in quarantine, while also urging all those who had come in contact with the governor to get tested.

“At this point, it should be noted that the governor is in self-isolation as his doctors and officials from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) have taken full charge of his quarantine,” the statement read in part.

Muhammed is believed to have contracted the virus from Mohammed Abubakar, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s son, with whom he reportedly exchanged handshake and pleasantries when the two met in an Abuja-bound plane in Lagos.

This is coming shortly after Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, also tested positive to the deadly virus on Monday. Kyari was said to have spent a week in Germany from march 7 – 14, where he is believed to have contracted the virus.

So far, Nigeria has recorded 42 cases of coronavirus and one death, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

It is reported that Lagos has 29 confirmed cases.

The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, has recorded seven cases. Ogun State has three cases and Ekiti, Oyo and Edo each have single cases.

NECO indefinitely postpones 2020 National Common Entrance examination over Coronavirus

Lukman ABOLADE
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NECO indefinitely postpones 2020 National Common Entrance examination over Coronavirus

THE National Examinations Council (NECO) has announced the indefinite postponement of the 2020 National Common Entrance Examination in compliance with regulations on COVID- 19 as the deadly virus continues to spread in Nigeria.

A press statement made available to The ICIR signed by the Council’s Head of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani,  revealed that the nationwide entrance examination into Federal Unity Colleges earlier scheduled to hold on Saturday March 28 has been postponed indefinitely.

Sani noted that the postponement of the examination was in line with the directive of the Federal Government and other state governments who banned gathering of over 50 persons as advised by the World Health Organisation  (WHO).

“This decision is in deference to the various measures being put in place by the Federal and State Governments to curtail the potential spread of Coronavirus (COV1D-19),” Sani noted.

He added that while the management of  the Council regretted inconveniences that the postponement might cause, a fresh date for the examination would be communicated to the public.

“The Management of NECO regrets any inconveniences the postponement might have caused our esteemed Candidates and other Stakeholders, a new date for the examination will be communicated to Candidates and other Stakeholders in due course,” he explained.

Sani however, added that registration for the examination continues/

As at the time of filling this report, Nigeria has recorded more than 30 confirmed cases of the global epidemic.

COVID-19: These are difficult times for all, especially for the poorest and most vulnerable — World Bank

Paul Owolabi
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COVID-19: These are difficult times for all, especially for the poorest and most vulnerable — World Bank

WORLD Bank Group President, David Malpass  has reacted to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic ravaging the world describing the situation as the most difficult times for all.

“These are difficult times for all, especially for the poorest and most vulnerable,”Malpass said in his remarks  from the G20 Finance Ministers conference call on the COVID-19 pandemic.

“For the World Bank Group, our first goal is to provide prompt support during the crisis, based on a country’s needs. It’s also vital to shorten the time to recovery and create confidence that the recovery can be strong.”

The World Bank Group president noted that the crisis would hit the poorest and most vulnerable countries hardly.

“I need to raise a related concern. This crisis will likely hit hardest against the poorest and most vulnerable countries, those roughly 75 poorest countries drawing on IDA,” he said.

“Many were already in a difficult debt situation, leaving no space for an appropriate health and economic response.”

He said the World Bank was “ready to frontload IDA19 with up to $35 billion and identify additional resources. However, we cannot have IDA resources go to pay creditors.”

“Today I want to make a call to action to the G20. I urge all official bilateral creditors of the poorest countries to act with immediate effect to help IDA countries through debt relief, allowing the countries to concentrate their resources on fighting the pandemic.”

This, Malpass, explained would require comprehensive and fair debt restructuring that includes NPV reductions sufficient for restoring debt sustainability.

He called on the G20 Leaders to allow the poorest countries to suspend all repayments of official bilateral credit until the World Bank and the IMF have made a full assessment of their reconstruction and financing needs.

“The WBG and the IMF are ready to work quickly with official bilateral creditors and with other international organizations as partners to finalize a process by the Spring Meetings of our organizations in April.”

The World Bank predicted that beyond the severe health impact from the pandemic, there would be a major recession of the global economy.

The  Bank said it was also preparing projects in 49 countries in a new fast-track facility, with decisions expected this week on as many as 16 country programs.

 

COVID-19: South Africa announces 21-day total lock down

Olugbenga ADANIKIN
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COVID-19: South Africa announces 21-day total lock down

THE South African government has announced a 21-day total lock-down of the country following the increasing number of COVID-19 confirmed cases in the former apartheid country.

Cyril Ramaphosa,  South African President said the new regulation would take effect nationwide from Thursday, 26 March, 2020.

While briefing the media on Tuesday at the Union Buildings, Tshwane, Ramaphosa emphasised that the decision became important for a greater good, and as part of measures to combat the deadly pandemic ravaging the globe.

“As a consequence, the National Coronavirus Command Council has decided to enforce a nation-wide lock-down for 21 days with effect from midnight on Thursday 26 March,” Ramaphosa said in a verified tweet shared on social media account of the South African Presidency @PresidencyZA.

“This is a decisive measure to save millions of South Africans from infection and save the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.

“While this measure will have a considerable impact on people’s livelihoods, on the life of our society and on our economy, the human cost of delaying this action would be far, far greater.”

He said, as of Monday the number of confirmed cases had increased six-fold in just eight days from 61 cases to 402 cases.

“This number will continue to rise,” he noted.

The South African government had earlier declared the coronavirus pandemic a national disaster and announced a package of extraordinary measures to combat the issue described as ‘grave public health emergency.’

The president noted that millions of his citizens already understood the gravity of the situation, stressing that most South Africans have accepted earlier restrictions and also taken the responsibility to change their behaviour.

He expressed satisfaction on the level of awareness among different groups in the South African society such as religious leaders, sporting associations, political parties, trade unions, business people among others including public servants.

“…every part of our society has come forward to confront this challenge.”

“Many have had to make difficult choices and sacrifices, but all have been determined that these choices and sacrifices are absolutely necessary if our country is to emerge stronger from this disaster,” he added.

Ramaphosa applauded the health workers and other medical officials who have been on the frontline of the pandemic, including border officials, police and traffic officers helping in the containment measures.

“Since the national state of disaster was declared, we have put in place a range of regulations and directives. These regulations have restricted international travel, prohibited gatherings of more than 100 people, closed schools and other educational institutions and restricted the sale of alcohol after 6 pm.”

However, only health workers in both public and private sectors are excluded from the lockdown.

Security operatives, those involved in the production, distribution and supply of essential and basic goods, health supplies would be excluded including banking and laboratory services.

“Individuals will not be allowed to leave their homes except under strictly controlled circumstances, such as to seek medical care, buy food, medicine and other supplies or collect a social grant,” Ramaphosa stated. “Temporary shelters that meet the necessary hygiene standards will be identified for homeless people. Sites are also being identified for quarantine and self-isolation for people who cannot self-isolate at home.”

“All shops and businesses will be closed, except for pharmacies, laboratories, banks, essential financial and payment services, including supermarkets, petrol stations and health care providers.

“Companies that are essential to the production and transportation of food, basic goods and medical supplies will remain open.”

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government is also considering a more stringent measures following an announcement by Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information and Culture, who said the government, might need to deploy the military as part of preventive measures.

It already shut down the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meetings, secondary and primary schools, railway service, universities, land borders and the airport.

As of date, the number of COVID-19 cases in Nigeria has risen to 42 cases, 39 are still active, two were discharged and one death so far recorded.

 

Use video conferencing, video IP phones facilities for meetings during COVID-19 outbreak, Pantami urges civil servants

Ihuoma ILO
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Use video conferencing, video IP phones facilities for meetings during COVID-19 outbreak, Pantami urges civil servants

MINISTER of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami has urged civil servants in Abuja to use the Federal Government’s Unified Communication Services (UCS) platform available to provide reliable and secure audio and video communication within the 1Gov network.

Pantami said the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy through its parastatal Galaxy Backbone has provided video conferencing, telepresence and video IP phone facilities in most MDAs within its Abuja metro Fiber network, to provide a smart means of communication and collaboration within the public sector during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.

He noted that there was a need for civil servants and the workforce in the country to minimize physical and face-to-face meetings given the fact that the disease is  known to spread primarily through contact with infected persons, surfaces or environments.

The Minister said it was highly recommended to exercise measures such as social distancing as a necessary precaution towards curbing the spread of the deadly and highly infectious virus.

He gave the advice in a press release on Tuesday, and signed by his Spokesperson, Uwa Suleiman.

The statement read, “The Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy through its parastatal Galaxy Backbone has provided video conferencing, telepresence and video IP phone facilities in most MDAs within its Abuja metro Fiber network, to provide a smart means of communication and collaboration within the public sector.

“Platforms available to minimize the need for physical meetings while performing the day to day functions of government are:

  • IP Voice and Video Telephony Services: About 16,000 unit have been deployed to provide users secure free voice & video communications over Galaxy’s network using physical handsets and software-based endpoints; and
  • Video Conferencing/ telepresence Services: About 120 terminals have been deployed to provide real-time video conferencing for users to meet and collaborate with colleagues and partners across various locations nationwide and internationally.

“The Honourable Minister, therefore, calls on all MDAs and public officers that have these services deployed to use them by hosting remote meetings and conferences which will help limit the spread of the virus.”

TIMELINE: Nigeria records 1,300 percent increase of COVID-19 confirmed cases in one week

Damilola OJETUNDE
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TIMELINE: Nigeria records 1,300 percent increase of COVID-19 confirmed cases in one week

THE pandemic Coronavirus is fast spreading in Nigeria more than expected—the spread is unprecedented — the country has recorded over 1,300 percent increase of confirmed cases of the disease in just one week.

The number of confirmed cases of  COVID-19 in Nigeria was just three as of March 17, but the figure has increased to 40 as 37 cases were confirmed last week.

A timeline of the COVID-19 in Nigeria shows that Nigeria recorded its first case of the pandemic on February 27 after a 44-year old Italian businessman tested positive for the virus.

He was later discharged on March 20 after receiving treatment at an isolation centre in Lagos and had tested negative to the virus. The second confirmed case was recorded on March 8. A contact of the Italian who tested positive in Ogun State, but has since been discharged after testing negative for the virus.

On March 17, the Federal Government announced the third case. The case was a Nigerian who returned to Lagos from the United Kingdom and developed symptoms during her 14-day self-isolation.

However, 24 hours after, the number of confirmed cases rose to eight after five new cases were reported on March 18. A day after, another four new cases were confirmed and brought the total to 12 confirmed cases in the country.

The first highest number of confirmed cases of the COVID-19 was reported on Mach 21. The Federal Government announced 10 new cases. Seven in Lagos and three in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

A day after, the Federal Government announced  another eight new confirmed cases, with three in Lagos, two in the FCT, one in Ogun, Ekiti, and Oyo states, bringing the total to 30 confirmed cases as of March 22.

On Monday, March 23, the country recorded its second-highest of confirmed cases in a day. A total of 10 new cases and one death were recorded. Six in Lagos, three in the FCT, and one in Edo. As of 11:00 pm, March 23, there were 40 confirmed cases, two discharged and one death.

At the time of writing this report, two new cases were reported. One in Lagos and one in Ogun State. This brings the total number of confirmed cases in Nigeria to 42, two recoveries and one death as at 01:00 pm, March 24. So far in March, Nigeria has recorded more than 40 cases.

To curtail further spread of the virus, the Federal Government through its Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha has made several recommendations such as banning international flights from high-risk countries, shutting down all airports to international flights, and closure of all land borders.

The Task Force also recommended through a directive to the Head of Civil Service of the Federation that all federal workers below grade level 12 should stay back and work from home.

Several states of the federation have given several directives also to curtail the spread of the virus. Most state governments have shut down schools, banned gatherings of more than 50 persons. They also emphasised on the practice of  social distancing.

On the regional level, As of March 17, the African continent had just recorded 228 confirmed cases with only four deaths.

A week after, according to the daily situation report of the World Health report on COVID-19 of March 23, confirmed cases in African stand at 990 and 23 deaths representing an increase of more than 300 percent.

BREAKING: Abba Kyari tests positive to Coronavirus, Buhari tests negative

Seun DUROJAIYE
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BREAKING: Abba Kyari tests positive to Coronavirus, Buhari tests negative

CHIEF of staff to the president, Abba Kyari, has tested positive to Coronavirus, while his principal, Muhammadu Buhari, has tested negative for the deadly virus, This Day reports.

It was gathered that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) carried out a test on the president on Monday, and informed him of the result on Tuesday, following the test result of his Chief of Staff which turned out positive.

According to reports, Kyari traveled to Germany on Saturday, March 7, to meet with officials of Siemens in Munich on the Nigerian electricity expansion programme, where he spent a week before returning to the country on Saturday, March 14.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says Germany has recorded over 29,000 cases of the virus and nearly 120 deaths, with over 400 reported to have recovered.

ThisDay reports that Kyari attended a meeting the next day, March 15, after arriving Nigeria, where he and those in attendance discussed containing the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

It was at the meeting, Kyari was said to have started showing symptoms  of COVID-19 when he coughed intermittently.

He then submitted himself for a test, which came out positive.

This is coming shortly after the Presidency in a letter signed by Kyari wrote to the leadership of National Assembly, asking that it directs its members who recently returned to the country from abroad to report themselves at the nearest test centre of NCDC.

Kyari noted in the letter that “airport screenings are our primary line of defense and refusal by any citizen to subject to these tests is a threat to our nation.”

So far, Nigeria has recorded 40 confirmed case of Coronavirus and one death.

Globally, the deadly virus has infected over 380,000 people and killed over 16,000 persons, according to John Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Centre.

FACT-CHECK: Will survivors of COVID-19 permanently suffer almost 50 per cent lungs damage? Placed on lifetime medication?

Olugbenga ADANIKIN
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FACT-CHECK: Will survivors of COVID-19 permanently suffer almost 50 per cent lungs damage? Placed on lifetime medication?

AS of Monday 23rd March, over 2,182 deaths have been recorded in Spain due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Globally,  World Health Organisation (WHO) put the casualty figure at over 9,000 deaths, and 210,000 cases.

Nigeria has just recorded one death and 36 cases.

CLAIMS

But, the claim recently flying across the social media, as a result of the increasing number of cases is that the survivors of  COVID-19 would suffer almost 50 per cent lungs damage.

The claim which allegedly came from an unidentified consultant at the Infectious Disease Unit of  Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) stated that the survivors would be placed on medication for the rest of their life.

“…those who recover from COVID-19 suffers close to 50 per cent of lungs damage, permanently, which means they will be on medication forever or they may die from complications in a few years after recovery from COVID-19,” the unidentified source stated, attributing the claims to an unknown medical practitioner.

“Covid-19 will almost certainly be fatal to anyone who has respiratory illness, kidney or liver disease before infection because the organs are usually its target.”

 

Findings

Medical experts since the COVID-19 outbreak have expressed concerns on likely adverse effects on survivors  of the virus infection. They are worried about the strength of the lungs and its functionality aftet victim’s recovery.

But a forensic pathologist, Dr. Michael Baden in a recent report says it would be too early to determine the future impact of the COVID-19 infection on the survived cases.

Though, he was worried there could be wounds on the lungs of the lucky survivors, there are no clear proofs from the WHO to affirm the permanent damage to the respiratory organ.

“Those who will die will largely die from lung infection,” Baden said as reported by FOX News.

“We don’t know how many people will have scarring from the lungs that will be present five, 10, 15 years from now, and cause shortness of breath and illness then.

“We only have about a month of experience here.”

A different report, detailing how experts in the United Kingdom Faculty of Intensive Care Medicine (FICM) maintained an almost similar position that victims of the COVID-19 virus would develop Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).

As a result, it might take up to 15 years for the lungs of COVID-19 survivor to heal.

The syndrome, the report revealed, prevents the victim’s lungs from providing sufficient oxygen to other vital organs in their body system.

“Like many other viral conditions, the effects of coronavirus are not just limited to the lungs. The heart can also be affected, ranging from inflammation (myocarditis) to heart failure,” FICM stressed.

Also, findings based on a study of 12 patients who recovered from the COVID-19 virus in Hong Kong revealed that about three persons had reduced lung function.

But, there are concerns it could be too early to conclude on the long-term implication.

“In some patients, lung function could decline by 20 to 30 per cent after recovery,” Tsang ak-yin, Medical Director, Infectious Diseases Centre at Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong said.

This finding also aligns with the outcome of a study held in Wuhan, where Zhongnam Hospital Wuhan University reportedly analysed 140 lung scans of COVID-19 patients and discovered ‘ground-glass opacity in both lungs of each patient.’

But, it is expected that with further investigations on the recovered COVID-19 patients, it would establish whether the victims have developed scars in the lungs, otherwise known as pulmonary fibrosis or otherwise.

“Over time, the scar tissue can destroy the normal lung and make it hard for oxygen to get into the blood. Low oxygen levels (and the stiff scar tissue itself) can cause shortness of breath, particularly during physical exertion,” the study showed.

 

Verdict

While there are several scientific claims that health conditions of COVID-19 survivors might get worse especially, if there are wounds on the lungs due to the infection, studies also revealed the lungs could get healed over time.

In Nigeria, there is no public evidence from the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), that the two discharged cases would be placed on medications for the rest of their lifetime.

There is also no such information from the WHO, except advice that the victims should eat nutritious foods to strengthen their immune system, limit alcohol consumption, smoking and avoid sugary drinks.

“This will not only help you in the long-term, it will also help you fight COVID-19 if you get it,” WHO DG said in its latest briefing held 20 March, 2020.

None of these institutions has made a public statement affirming the claim that survived victims of COVID-19 would have their lungs almost permanently damaged.

Therefore, the claim that survivors of  COVID-19 would suffer a permanent but  partial lung damage is exagerated and misleadibg.

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