Operation Safe Haven Jos Gets New Commander, Maj. CC Okonkwo

The military task force set up to maintain peace in Plateau State, Bauchi and parts of Southern Kaduna codenamed Operation Safe Haven with operational command in Jos will effective from Wednesday 1st April, 2020 have a New Commander.

He is Maj. Gen. CC Okonkwo who until this appointment was Special Adviser Nigerian Army University Biu, Borno State.

The present Commander, Maj. Gen. ACC Agundu has been deployed to Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) Abuja as Senior Research Fellow.

This postings which was approved by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Y. Buratai is a routine/normal exercise intended to reinvigorate the system for greater professional effectiveness and efficiency.

Other major highlights of the postings and appointments include – the posting and appointment of Major General HI Bature from Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Defence Liaison Office National Assembly Abuja to Army Headquarters Department of Civil Military Affairs and appointed Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj Gen UM Mohammed from Nigerian Army Property Limited (NAPL) to the Office of the Chief of Army Staff and appointed Special Adviser Nigerian Army University Biu/Deputy Chairman Board of Trustees NAPL, while the Maj Gen F Yahaya from Headquarters 1 Division Kaduna to Headquarters Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE (OPLD) Maiduguri and appointed Commander, while Maj Gen OG Adeniyi is redeployed from Headquarters Theatre Command OPLD Maiduguri to NARC as Senior Research Fellow, Maj Gen S Idris from Sector 2 OPLD Damaturu- Yobe State redeployed to DHQ Abuja and appointed Director Liaison.

Others affected include – Maj General AA Adesope from Office of the Chief of Army Staff Directorate of Audit and Financial Management to NAPL and appointed Group Managing Director, Maj Gen MG Ali from Headquarters Theatre Command OPLD Maiduguri to Headquarters 4 Special Forces Command Doma, Nasarawa State as Commander while the erstwhile Chief of Civil-Military Affairs AHQ Abuja Maj Gen US Mohammed has been redeployed to 1 Division Kaduna and appointed General Officer Commanding.

Similarly, Brig Gen HI Daniel from the Defunct Army Special Forces Command Maiduguri to Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command Minna and appointed Director Army Training Support, Brig Gen BE Onyeuko is to remain in DHQ Abuja as Acting Director Defence Media Operation, Brig Gen NM Jega from Training and Doctrine Command Minna to Infantry Corps Centre Jaji and appointed Chief of Staff, Brig Gen LA Araba from Nigerian Army Welfare Limited by Guaranty Abuja now redeployed to Sector 2 OPLD Damaturu, Yobe State as Ag Commander, Brig Gen VO Ita from DHQ, Abuja to Headquarters 402 Special Forces Brigade Azare and appointed Commander while Brig Gen JAL Jimoh from Sector 3 Artillery Brigade OPLD Monguno to Headquarters 31 Brigade Minna and appointed Commander and Brig Gen GTO Ajetunmobi has been redeployed from 31 Brigade Minna to Nigeria Army Welfare Limited by Guaranty, Abuja as Executive Director Operation.

Others are – Brig Gen LG Lepdung from Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre Jaji to DHQ Abuja and appointed Deputy Director Procurement (Logistics), Brig Gen MO Ihanuwaze to remain in Office of the Chief of Army Staff Directorate of Audit and Financial Management as Acting Director, Brig Gen EC Obi – Osang from the defunct Headquarters 707 Special Forces’ Brigade Makurdi to Headquarters 401 Special Forces’ Brigade Makurdi as Commander while Brig Gen GM Mutkut is redeployed from the Defunct Nigerian Army Amphibious Command OPLD Baga to Headquarters 403 Amphibious Brigade Baga and appointed Commander and Brig Gen JR Lar from Nigerian Army School of Artillery Kachia to Sector 3 Artillery Brigade OPLD Monguno as Commander.

Also, Colonel DJ Abdullahi from the defunct Headquarters Nigerian Army Special Forces’ Command Maiduguri to Headquarters 4 Special Forces’ Command Doma Nasarawa State and appointed Acting Chief of Staff, Colonel EC Emere from Nigerian Army Archives to Nigerian Military School Zaria as Deputy Commandant and Col MO Agi is to remain in Headquarters Nigerian Army Armour Corps Bauchi as Acting Chief of Staff among others.

All the postings and appointments are to take effect from the 1st of April 2020.

While wishing all the officers well in their respective appointments, the Chief of Army Staff enjoins them to take their new responsibilities/appointments seriously and discharge all duties professionally with utmost loyalty to the Nation and the Service.

Most Rev. Matthew Audu Installed as Catholic Archbishop of Jos, Remarks by Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama

INSTALLATION OF MOST REV. MATTHEW ISHAYA AUDU AS THE CATHOLIC ARCHBISHOP OF JOS. WELCOME AND VALEDICTORY REMARKS BY ARCHBISHOP IGNATIUS A. KAIGAMA, 31.03.2020.

My dear brothers and sisters, please allow me to use my remaining last few minutes as a member of the Catholic Archdiocese of Jos to express a very profound gratitude to God Almighty for giving me the privilege and honour to serve Jos Archdiocese and its wonderful people for very close to twenty years.

Let me first of all welcome you all to this ceremony that brings on board a new chief shepherd and thus a new phase in the history of Jos Archdiocese. Thank you for coming.

I thank God for using the Holy Father, Pope Francis, to give Jos Archdiocese the gift of a new Archbishop in the person of Most Rev. Matthew Ishaya Audu. Welcome Archbishop Audu and “bon travail”

I also thank the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Antonio Guido Filipazzi for his very dedicated service to the Nigerian Church and I welcome him in absentia as well as the Cardinals, the Archbishops, the Bishops, the priests, the Religious men and women and lay individuals and groups who had expressed the desire to be here to participate in this ceremony but for the outbreak of the coronavirus which has restricted the number of participants to fifty as permitted by the Government of Plateau State.

We welcome Barr. Dr. Simon Lalong, here represented by the Secretary to the State Government and the Chief of Staff, Government House. We warmly welcome our brothers of the other Churches represented by the CAN Chairman, Rev. Dr. Soja Bewarang and our Muslim friends and brothers whom the Emir of Wase, Alhaji Muhammed Sambo, who is also the Plateau State Chairman of Jama’atu Nasril Islam and Vice President General, Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs, mandated the

Galadima of Wase, Alhaji Umar Mustapha to stand in for them. The Plateau State Traditional Council is ably represented by the Long Goemai of Shendam.

We welcome you the few present here, representing the many others who would have loved to come but the Church had to comply with the good restriction measure adopted by the Government as a proactive way to vigorously fight the coronavirus. Even with this small congregation of fifty, we will go ahead to do the canonical installation of the Archbishop, by the grace of God. It is being streamed live in the social media. Jos Archdiocese has promised that a more elaborate and festive celebration will take place after the unfortunate coronavirus malady must have become a thing of the past. May God have mercy on us and bring to a very quick end this global scourge. For the sake of the sorrowful passion, Lord, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

May I crave your indulgence to ask that for my failings as a human being during my tenure as chief shepherd of Jos Archdiocese, may the Lord forgive me and those who felt offended by my words and actions to also forgive me. All I did for Jos Archdiocese as Archbishop and lately as Apostolic Administrator, was in the best interest of progress, harmony and growth in the spiritual, pastoral and social spheres. For those who were happy with my decisions and pastoral initiatives, please continue to be happy and for some who were offended or hurt by my pastoral decisions, may God bring you healing and relief.

I can confidently and happily say that you members of the family of God in the Archdiocese of Jos were loyal and supportive of all projects: pastoral, educational, medical, social, etc. I pray that our modest achievements will be improved upon in the years to come by you and your new pastoral leadership.

I had promised you that we would install the new Archbishop in a roofed proposed Divine Mercy Cathedral building. Your commitment to the project was very edifying and exemplary. You sacrificed as individuals by donating one block per person and as families, one bag of cement per family. Your parishes gave “in toto” the proceeds from

tithes and harvest for many years. The new Cathedral building would have been roofed now, but for some technical reasons. I assure you that the funds needed for the roofing have been already collected by you and will be safely entrusted to your new Archbishop. Please continue the good work and may our Blessed Mother intercede for us and make this new era one of greater blessings and success.

I must stress that you the wonderful people of Jos Archdiocese have been a solid pillar of support and encouragement to me. May this new phase under the leadership of Archbishop Matthew Ishaya Audu be characterized by greater development, peace, understanding and unity in the Archdiocese and indeed in the entire Ecclesiastical Province of Jos.

I wish to also extend my appreciation to the past and present Governors of Plateau State whose collaboration and support I enjoyed: Gov. Joshua Dariye, Gov. Jonah David Jang and now, Gov. Simon Bako Lalong. They all supported my work of inter- religious dialogue and the search for peace and harmony between Muslim and Christians and among ethnic groups.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank the Vicars General, the Chancellor, the parish priests, religious, chaplains, members of Church societies, Knights, women, men, youths, children, catechists, evangelists, Word of Life newspaper staff, domestic and chancery staff (cooks, drivers, office staff), etc. Thank you for making my years of stay and work in Jos Archdiocese a very memorable one. Like Simeon I say, “At last O powerful Master, you give leave to your servant to go in peace, according to your promise ” (Lk 2:29).

May God bless all of you in the Catholic Archdiocese of Jos and indeed Plateau State very richly and bring to completion the work he has started in you (cf. Phil. 1:6). Let us keep each other in fervent prayer.
Peace be with you all.

Nigeria records second death from coronavirus

The Nigerian Government has confirmed the second death from coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country.

The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, announced this on Monday at a press briefing in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Twenty new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Nigeria; 13 in Lagos, 4 in FCT, 2 in Kaduna and 1 in Oyo State

As at 09:00 pm 30th March there are 131 confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported in Nigeria with 2 deaths 

COVID-19: Senators, Reps under pressure to donate March salary

Members of the National Assembly have come under pressure to donate their one month salary for the fight against the novel coronavirus spreading across the country. The federal lawmakers have been criticised for their silence on making personal donations after ministers donated 50 per cent of their March 2020 salaries to support government’s efforts in combating the deadly virus.
Information and Culture Minister, Lai Mohammed, who announced the ministers’ donations, said it was a gesture of solidarity and support for the federal government’s efforts at tackling the disease. Before Mohammed’s announcement, many wealthy Nigerians had donated billions of Naira to strengthen the fight against the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country.

Recall that Rep. Mansur Manu Soro, Ganjuwa/Darazo federal constituency (Bauchi State), had asked his colleagues to sacrifice their March salaries and raise N360 million for the cause.
The lawmaker, in a telephone interview with our correspondent, urged his colleagues to contribute N1m each to buy ventilators and other medical consumables needed to fight the coronavirus and treat victims. The convener, Good Governance Team (GGT), Mr Tunde Salman, said the COVID-19 pandemic requires all efforts to stem its spread and eventually get a solution. “Measures like the lawmakers being asked to donate their March salaries are not out of place,” Salman added. Also, the Executive Director, Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), Dr Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, said the lawmakers do not seem to have impressed Nigerians and that donating their March salaries and allowances to fight the COVID-19 virus is not out of place.   Lawmakers disagree on personal donations Some lawmakers who spoke to our correspondents expressed diverse views on making personal financial commitments to the fight against COVID-19. While some support the call, others said donating half or whole of their March salaries would make no difference as members were already spending much on their constituents. Senator Betty Apiafi (Rivers West) said taking 100% of their salary would amount to nothing as the country was dealing with a pandemic, stressing that the federal government needed to make funds available. Senator Apiafi, who is also the deputy chair, Senate Committee on Health, told our correspondent that “donating 50 per cent of our salary is not a problem, but we are already spending much more because of the level of hunger in our various constituencies.” She, however, expressed worry over lack of adequate testing facilities and isolation centres to contain even an expected number of patients. The senator said both the federal and state governments needed to, as a matter of urgency, start importing hospital consumables and necessary equipment, and start massive emergency response. Without consumables, she said health workers would run away and leave patients to their fate. Similarly, House spokesman, Benjamin Kalu (APC, Abia), said asking for members’ half salaries is “shortchanging our constituents from the magnanimity members want to show and are already showing.” Kalu, in a WhatsApp message to our reporter, said, “If Nigerians knew our salaries, they will not be asking for half of it. What will half of our salaries fetch for our constituents? “That’s the easiest sacrifice to make and why Nigerians are asking for the easiest sacrifice from their representatives is what I am not aware of, especially when the representatives are willing to do more and are actually doing more than 10 salaries put together.” Senator Muhammad Adamu Bulkachuwa (Bauchi North) declined to comment on the call on National Assembly members to donate their March salaries but said he would “personally contribute and lead a fundraising”. The senator said he was also working with some state governments to intensify awareness campaign against the COVID-19. “We picked Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Bauchi and Gombe, where we would make special sensitisation programmes on the coronavirus. I will personally contribute and lead the occasion for fundraising, and we will make essential supplies that include face masks, sanitisers and some other materials,” he added. Senator Bulus K. Amos, (Gombe South) urged his colleagues to support their various state governments in ameliorating the effects of the coronavirus lockdown on the people. The senator, in a short statement sent to our correspondent, said as lawmakers, they could not afford to remain complacent when their constituents face an imminent threat of annihilation in the face of poor health infrastructure.   Reps mull donations It was learnt, however, that members of House of Representatives had started discussing the possibility of donating whole or part of their March salaries to raise funds towards the fight against the novel COVID-19. Sources said most of the members were in touch with one another on the next line of action to be taken on a personal basis after the passage of the “Economic Stimulus Bill 2020” and the motion to provide palliative measures to Nigerians over the COVID-19 pandemic. The House Chief Whip, Muhammad Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno), said members had discussed the matter before they went on the two weeks’ recess last Tuesday. “We are willing to donate to this cause. Our salaries have not been paid until today (Saturday, March 28). If we decide on any amount to be donated and all of us agree, it can be deducted at source. “Members are ready to meet on anything that warrants our attention. That is why we remained here; because it is a time like this that we are mostly needed to help in taking measures that require legal backing and prompt passage of laws for the president to take measures that will safeguard Nigerians,” he said. Another member of the House, Abubakar Makki Yalleman (APC, Jigawa), said members were ready to abide by the decision of their leadership because it was an issue of national concern.

BREAKING: Oyo governor, Seyi Makinde, tests positive for coronavirus

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde has tested positive for coronavirus. He made the announcement via his Twitter handle.

“I just received my COVID-19 confirmation test result. It is POSITIVE. I am asymptomatic and will continue to self-isolate.

“I have designated Prof Temitope Alonge, former Chief Medical Director of the University College, Ibadan, as the Head of COVID-19 Task Force while I recover fully. Please continue to comply with all the directives from the COVID-19 Task Force. Stay home, stay safe.”

COVID-19: Israel evacuates 274 nationals from Nigeria

Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja to Tel-Aviv, Israel.

The flight, operated with the Air Peace’s Boeing 777-300, left Lagos with 65 passengers and airlifted 209 others from Abuja before departing the country.

Although closed to international flights as part of measures to forestall further importation of coronavirus, emergency flights such as this are allowed to operate at the MMIA and NAIA.

As of 6pm on Sunday, Nigeria has 97 cases of COVID-19 with one recorded death while Israel has 3,865 cases and 81 deaths.

COVID-19 : POLICE ALERT NIGERIANS ON EMERGING CYBERCRIME TRENDS

 

They Nigeria Police as call on citizens to be very careful with the cybercrime trends going on in the Nation and world at large, due the total lockdown imposed by Government at all level.

The Inspector General Of Police made this known in a press statement released by the Public Relation Officer  Force Headquaters Abuja DCP FRANK MBA on Sunday, March 29, 2020.

The IGP advised citizens not be agree with any individual calling in the name of selling Drugs or opening an unknown Email adress, and to handle their social media accounts wisely.

He also enjoined members of the public to report any cybercrime case to the nearest Police division for proper investigation and sanction.

The statement read:


"The Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu, NPM, mni has enjoined members of the public to remain vigilant and take precautionary actions against criminal elements who might explore the emergency situation created by the Covid-19 pandemic to increase and diversify their criminal activities.

 The IGP’s advice is informed by intelligence at the disposal of the Force which suggests that fraud and cybercrime are expected to rise at this time owing to the lockdown emplaced by Government at all levels to contain the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic.

 Specifically, intelligence obtained from the INTERPOL Headquarters shows that scammers in Nigeria and other parts of the globe have begun to create and set up fraudulent websites, e-commerce platforms, fake social media accounts and emails claiming to sell and deliver (covid-19) medical products.

 In some cases, they use the names of prominent companies involved in the production and distribution of these items. Victims are then asked to pay via bank transfer.

 The IGP therefore enjoins the public to strictly adhere to the following security tips:

.1. Avoid opening suspicious emails and clicking on links in unrecognized emails and attachments;

 ii. Ensure proper back-up of online and offline files regularly and securely;

 iii. Use strong passwords for securing your emails and social media handles;

iv. Keep your software updated, including antivirus software;

v. Manage your social media settings and review your privacy and security settings;

vi. You are advised to be wary of scammers who use names of prominent companies to create fraudulent websites, e-commerce platforms, social media accounts and emails claiming to sell and deliver medical products;

 vii. You are advised to ignore and report calls purportedly emanating from a caller who pretends to be a relative currently being treated at hospital asking you to pay for the cost of the medical treatment by transferring money or by paying cash to fake public health representatives;

viii. Do not open letters or emails related to the pandemic from unknown persons who claim to be health authorities. Often times criminals access sensitive information,steal personal information and steal funds of victims by tricking them into connecting to a specific webpage and logging-in with their credentials;

 ix. Be mindful of fake news, deliberate misinformation/disinformation and avoid circulating untrusted and unverified messages on your social media handles;

 x. Educate your family, especially your children, about how to stay safe online and offline;

 xi. If you become a victim, ensure prompt report to the police. Against the foregoing, the IGP has placed the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Interpol National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja - Nigeria on red alert.

The NCB which houses the cybercrime unit of the Force shall in the coming days and beyond work closely with other Interpol member states across the globe particularly to carry out intense monitoring of the internet highway in the most legitimate and ethical manner.

 This is to engender concerted efforts in cracking down on any individual or all forms of organized criminal gangs that may want to take advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic to perpetrate crimes. The Force also enjoins commercial bank operators to strengthen their online banking security systems and report promptly any suspected case of fraud and other cybercrime related activities in their banks.

 While reaffirming the determination of the Nigeria Police Force in providing support services to relevant agencies saddled with the task of curtailing and containing the COVID-19 pandemic, the IGP assures the public that the Force is unrelenting in clamping down on criminals who may want to take advantage of the situation to perpetrate criminal acts."

 DCP FRANK MBA FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER FORCE HEADQUARTERS ABUJA"

BREAKING: El-Rufai tests positive for coronavirus

Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai has tested positive for coronavirus (COVID-19).

The governor confirmed his test results in a recorded video released on Saturday evening on Kaduna state government social media accounts.

Read a statement by the governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai on his Covid-19 Test Results, 28 March 2020

Earlier this week, I submitted a sample for the Covid-19 test. The result came in this evening, and I regret to say that it is positive.

According to the protocols for managing Covid-19, I am in self-isolation as required by the case management guidelines of the NCDC for someone that is not showing symptoms.

I wish to appeal to the people of Kaduna State to continue to closely observe the preventive measures already announced.

It is most important that everybody should do their utmost to stay safe, stay home and stay alive.

The Deputy Governor is chairing our Covid-19 Taskforce and will continue to issue statements from time to time.

Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai

28th March 2020

LALONG ORDERS FOR THE ARREST OF SHEIKH JINGIR & OTHER DEFAULTERS

Governor Simon Bako Lalong has directed security operatives to arrest Sheik Jingir and others that disregarded Government orders of social distancing and gathering of not more than 50 persons in places of worship.

Sheik Jingir in a viral video asked his followers not to obey Government orders as Corona Virus is a ploy to stop Islam.

In a public outcry,Nigerians have called for the arrest of the radical cleric who has a history of disobeying Constituted authorities.

The Secretary to the Government of the state issued a statement calling on security operatives to arrest all defaulters.

The state reads;

PRESS BRIEFING BY
SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE STATE, PROF. DANLADI ABOK ATU ON PLATEAU
STATE COVID-19 RESPONSE.

28TH
MARCH 2020

1.    
Gentlemen
of the Press, I welcome you to this press briefing this afternoon.

2.    
As
you are aware, the Plateau State Government has been up and doing in ensuring
that it adequately prepares against the COVID-19 disease

3.    
You
will also recall that the Plateau State Government set up a Task Force on COVID-19
Response Chaired by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, Executive
Governor of Plateau State

4.    
As
of now, we have no recorded case of the disease in Plateau State.

5.    
In
order to ensure that we prevent any case from coming into the State, Government
has rolled out measures including shutting of markets; ban on festivals;
restriction of gatherings to not more than 50 people; Ban on weekly Sunday
markets at Ahmadu Bello Way, Bukuru and environs; closure of night clubs and
drinking joints etc.

6.    
We
have appraised the situation about compliance to the directives and you will
recall that the Chairman of the Task Force, His Excellency further directed the
full enforcement of the orders issued.

7.    
As
of yesterday Friday 27th March 2020, there is substantial compliance
and the Government commends the good and peace loving citizens of Plateau State
who have adhered to the directives.

8.    
However,
the government takes exception to the non-challance and flagrant disregard of
the directives by some individuals and groups who have remained recalcitrant. They
have also mobilised their followers to disobey the orders of Government, which
is meant to protect the lives of the people.

9.    
Let
me categorically make it clear that nobody is above the law and government is
taking necessary action.

10.
In
line with the directive of Government for full implementation of compliance,
the Governor has asked Security agencies to take the necessary measures on such
persons.

11.
Further
measures taken include the following:

a.      Tricycles will no longer take more
than 1 passenger

b.      Saloon cars will only take 4
passengers including the driver

c.       The Government has set up a COVID-19
Eradication Fund, which the organised private sector and well-spirited members
of the public can contribute into. The essence of it is to take care of the vulnerable
and some social challenges arising from the situation. Details will be issued
later.

d.      Effective Sunday 29th
March 2020, there will be prohibition of vehicular movement into Plateau State
from all border entry routes from 6pm to 7am. All people coming into Plateau
State should note and take note of t his and prepare their trips to avoid unnecessary
inconveniences.

12.
We
want to appeal to members of the public to continue to cooperate with the
Government as we work together to ensure that we protect the lives of our
people.

13.
We
thank you the members of the media for supporting us and we count on you to
continue to do your part.



Prof. Danladi Abok Atu

Secretary to Government of the State & Coordinating Secretary,

Plateau State COVID-19 Task Force

28th March 2020.

First case of coronavirus recorded in Benue

The first case of the Coronavirus Disease has been recorded in Benue State.

The state Governor, Samuel Ortom, confirmed the development on Saturday.

 

With the confirmation, the cases of confirmed COVID-19 in the country have become 82.

As at Friday night, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control had put the number of confirmed cases in the country at 81.

COVID-19: PLATEAU STATE TO SHUT DOWN BORDERS FROM 6PM TO 7AM

The Government of Plateau state has called on citizens of the state to comply with the measures announced by the government to ensure  that the Pandemic Covid- 19 doesn't affect the state.

The Government made this known earlier today March 28, 2020,  in a press briefing by the secretary to the state government. Prof. Danladi Abok Atu.

Prof Danladi also appeal to citizens of  state explaining to them that the measures taken is for the good of the state, to prevent any spread though no case had been recorded.

He also disclosed the Government  plans to shut down Borders linking the state as such he appealed  to all those wanting to travel to observe so  to avoid any inconveniences.

The speech read:

 "1. Gentlemen of the Press, I welcome you to this press briefing this afternoon.

 2. As you are aware, the Plateau State Government has been up and doing in ensuring that it adequately prepares against the COVID-19 disease

 3. You will also recall that the Plateau State Government set up a Task Force on COVID-19 Response Chaired by His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong, ExecutiveGovernor of Plateau State

 4. As of now, we have no recorded case of the disease in Plateau State.

 5. In order to ensure that we prevent any case from coming into the State, Government has rolled out measures including shutting of markets; ban on festivals; restriction of gatherings to not more than 50 people; Ban on weekly Sunday markets at Ahmadu Bello Way, Bukuru and environs; closure of night clubs and drinking joints etc.

 6. We have appraised the situation about compliance to the directives and you will recall that the Chairman of the Task Force, His Excellency further directed the full enforcement of the orders issued.

 7. As of yesterday Friday 27th March 2020, there is substantial compliance and the Government commends the good and peace loving citizens of Plateau State who have adhered to the directives.

 8. However, the government takes exception to the nonchalance and flagrant disregard of the directives by some individuals and groups who have remained recalcitrant. They have also mobilised their followers to disobey the orders of Government, which is meant to protect the lives of the people.

 9. Let me categorically make it clear that nobody is above the law and government is taking necessary action.

 10. In line with the directive of Government for full implementation of compliance, the Governor has asked Security agencies to take the necessary measures on such persons.

 11. Further measures taken include the following: a. Tricycles will no longer take more than 1 passenger b. Saloon cars will only take 4 passengers including the driver c. The Government has set up a COVID-19 Eradication Fund, which the organised private sector and well-spirited members of the public can contribute into. The essence of it is to take care of the vulnerable and some social challenges arising from the situation. Details will be issued later. d. Effective Sunday 29th March 2020, there will be prohibition of vehicular movement into Plateau State from all border entry routes from 6pm to 7am. All people coming into Plateau State should note and take note of this and prepare their trips to avoid unnecessary inconveniences.

 12. We want to appeal to members of the public to continue to cooperate with the Government as we work together to ensure that we protect the lives of our people.  

13. We thank you the members of the media for supporting us and we count on you to continue to do your part. Prof. Danladi Abok Atu Secretary to Government of the State & Coordinating Secretary, Plateau State COVID-19 Task Force 28th March 2020".

Two Nurses, One Doctor Infected With Coronavirus In Abuja Hospital

The health workers, who are staff of a government hospital in Abuja, were part of medical personnel that attended to an infected person brought into the hospital.

Two nurses and a doctor have been confirmed to have tested positive for Coronavirus at a hospital in Abuja, Nigeria's capital. 

The health workers, who are staff of a government hospital in Abuja, were part of medical personnel that attended to an infected person brought into the hospital.

A senior medical worker at the hospital told SaharaReporters that, "The patient was rushed to the hospital and as our job demands, we have to save life first and that was what we did.

"The person was attended to and stabilised by the medical team.

"A test was soon conducted and the result came out positive.

"The hospital thereafter asked all those who attended to the patient to undergo tests to determine their status and at the end of the day, the three tested positive for the virus. 

"They are currently in isolation at the Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital." 

Speaking further, the senior health worker lamented the lack of quality Personal Protective Equipment for them, adding that government must invest in the protection of health workers at the frontline of the battle against the virus.

He said, "The unfortunate thing is that the government is not providing us with what to work with. It is sad that our PPE are not up to the world standard and can be penetrated by viruses.

"Some of us (health workers) have to use our personal funds to purchase gloves as we do not trust the ones government supplied.

"Nigerians should please remember us in their prayers and government should provide us with what we really need to work."

Nigeria currently has 81 confirmed cases of Coronavirus and one recorded death. 

According to the diplomatic community, infections could rise to more than 10,000 in the coming weeks as there are at least 5,000 persons, who had come in contact with infected persons in Nigeria already.

Davido goes into self-isolation as fiancee, Chioma tests positive to coronavirus and Nigeria records five new cases of COVID-19

Popular music act, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido has gone into self-isolation as his fiancée, Chioma Avril tested positive to coronavirus. This was revealed by the artiste on his official Twitter handle on Friday.
Davido said that Chioma and his close associates decided to take the test as they returned from foreign trips recently. “Hey everyone ! I came back recently from America after cancelling tour. My fiancé Chioma also came back from London recently with our baby.
We had no symptoms and still both feel perfectly fine but because of our recent travel history we decided to take ourselves and our all close associates we’ve come in recent contact with for the COVID-19 test on the 25th of March.
Unfortunately, my fiancé’s results came back positive while all 31 others tested have come back negative including our baby. We are however doing perfectly fine and she is even still yet to show any symptoms whatsoever. She is now being quarantined and I have also gone into full self isolation for the minimum 14 days. I want to use this opportunity to thank you all for your endless love and prayers in advance and to urge everyone to please stay at home as everyone to please stay at home as we control the spread of this virus! Together we can beat this! Love, D Red heart,” he posted on Twitter.

Meanwhile Nigeria has recorded five new cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) disease, driving the number of confirmed cases up to 70. As at 8:00pm on Friday, March 27, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reported 5 new cases. The 5 new cases are: 3 in FCT and 2 in Oyo State. The NCDC in a tweet wrote: “Five new cases of #COVID19 have been reported in Nigeria: 3 in FCT & 2 in Oyo State”.
At the moment, 3 persons have been discharged while 1 death has been recorded so far. With the new cases, FCT now has 14 cases, Oyo has three, Lagos has the highest number, 44. Ogun has three, Bauchi has two while Ekiti, Rivers, Osun and Edo all has one case each.

Rep to colleagues: Let’s sacrifice our March salary, raise N360m for COVID-19

As Nigeria faces the threat of total lockdown as a result of the ravaging coronavirus disease, federal lawmakers have called for collective support to ameliorate the effects on ordinary people.

Rep. Mansur Manu Soro, Ganjuwa/Darazo Federal Constituency (Bauchi State), who made the call, wants his colleagues to contribute N1m each to buy ventilators and other medical consumables needed to fight and treat victims of the coronavirus disease.

 Speaking to reporter, Soro said the contribution will help procure ventilators that are needed to keep people attacked by the virus alive by delivering oxygen to them.

The lawmaker noted that if his colleagues contribute N1m each, the N360m raised could buy many ventilators. He said a ventilator cost about N9.5m.

“Sacrifice epitomizes leadership. I wish to humbly call on my colleagues, members of the House of Representatives, let’s sacrifice our March 2020 salary and allowances to contribute N1 million each to procure ventilators,” he said.

He added that, when procured, the ventilators would be distributed to public hospitals in the 36 states and FCT.

For his part, Rep Solomon Maren (PDP, Plateau) said the Economic Stimulus Bill 2020 passed by the House as well as the motion to provide palliative measures are meant to serve all Nigerians.

He said the bill, as well as the motion, are all-encompassing for all Nigerians as it considered the economic challenges posed by the Virus which had a devastating economic effect on the country. 

Coronavirus row helps topple Kosovo government

The government of Kosovo has collapsed after a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Albin Kurti was backed by a majority of MPs.

The vote was brought by a junior coalition partner, on the pretext that Mr Kurti had broken an agreement by sacking the interior minister without consultation.

It comes only two months after the government was sworn in.

Mr Kurti's supporters have condemned the move as a bid to subvert democracy.

Who will govern Kosovo now?

It is not clear how the political impasse will be resolved, as elections cannot be held because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Doctors have warned that without clear direction, the disease could overwhelm Kosovo's underfunded health system.

The Balkan country has at least 70 confirmed cases and one death from Covid-19 - the disease caused by the coronavirus.

Correspondents say the political crisis has frustrated citizens who want the country's leaders to focus on measures combating the spread of the virus.

With street protests banned because of a lockdown, residents in the capital Pristina have been banging pots and pans from their balconies to vent their frustration at the squabbling.

One protester who managed to circumvent security outside parliament on Wednesday raised a banned at the entrance that read: "The most dangerous pandemic in Kosovo is politics. Shame!"

The vote of no confidence was initiated by the junior partner in Mr Kurti's coalition, the centre-right LDK (Democratic League) party.

The LDK has been at loggerheads with Mr Kurti for several weeks, but the final straw came when the prime minister sacked Interior Minister Agim Veliu, a LDK member. Mr Veliu had supported calls by President Hashim Thaci for a state of emergency to combat the coronavirus. Mr Kurti insisted such a move was not justified.

More than 80 MPs in the 120-member assembly backed the vote after nearly 12 hours of debate.

Analysts say it is unlikely that Mr Kurti's party will try to form a new government.

Last October's general election was the fourth since Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008.

Serbia does not recognise the country and, with Russian support, has blocked it from becoming a member of the UN and other international bodies.

Few people in Kosovo will be able to keep a straight face when they attribute the demise of Albin Kurti's government to the coronavirus crisis. Some may smirk, but many will grimace in frustration at a lost opportunity for a fresh start in Pristina.

Mr Kurti is a committed Albanian nationalist. But the main reason his Vetevendosje party won the most votes in last October's parliamentary election was disenchantment with a political establishment which has left Kosovo in limbo.

The war heroes of the Kosovo Liberation Army have dominated governments since the 2008 unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia. But they have failed to deliver prosperity. The most recent report by the European Commission lamented that "corruption is widespread".

People hoped that Mr Kurti would change that. And Vetevendosje's record at municipal level in Pristina stoked their optimism.

Such voters will see the demise of Mr Kurti's government as a stitch-up orchestrated by an old guard uniting to protect their mutual interests. They are unlikely to be forgiving when they get their next opportunity at the ballot box.

US tops world in coronavirus cases, overtakes China, Italy

The United States on Thursday took the grim title of the country with the most coronavirus infections and reported a record surge in unemployment as world leaders vowed $5 trillion to stave off global economic collapse.

More than 500,000 people around the world have now contracted the new coronavirus, overwhelming healthcare systems even in wealthy nations and triggering an avalanche of government-ordered lockdowns that have disrupted life for billions.

In the United States, more than 83,000 people have tested positive for COVID-19, edging out Italy, which has reported the most deaths, and China, where the virus was first detected in December in the metropolis of Wuhan.

Surrounded by members of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, US President Donald Trump speaks at a press conference on COVID-19, known as the coronavirus, in the Rose Garden of the White House in Washington, DC. Photo: AFP

The US has recorded 1,178 deaths, while the global death toll stood at 23,293.

With about 40 percent of Americans under lockdown orders, Trump urged citizens to do their part by practicing social distancing: “Stay home. Just relax, stay home.”

Alarmed by the rapid spread of the sickness in Italy, France has taken aggressive action to stem the virus and went under lockdown on March 17.

But the 365 deaths reported Thursday was its highest in a one-day period and, alarmingly, included a 16-year-old girl — a rare case of a young person succumbing to a virus that has devastated the elderly.

BREAKING: Six Lagos Coronavirus patients ready for discharge

Six patients being treated for coronavirus have recovered in Lagos.

 Tunde Ajayi, the Special Assistant to Lagos state governor on health, made this known via Twitter on Thursday.

 According to him, the patients are set to be discharged soon.

 He wrote: “Six of our #COVID19 inpatients have recovered and will be discharged soon. There is something Lagos is doing right. Lagos takes the lead.”

 According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, 51 cases were confirmed in the country as of 11:25 pm on March 25.

 “Out of the 51 confirmed cases, two have been discharged, while one death has been recorded. Lagos has 32 confirmed cases,” .

Coronavirus: Watch Punishment India Police Gave People Who Refused To Stay At Home

The Indian police were spotted punishing some of its citizens who disobeyed the stay at home order given by the government as coronavirus pandemic continues to ravage the world.

In several photos and videos that’s been uploaded online, the law enforcement agents are seen asking defaulters to serve punishments ranging from frog jumps to sit-ups, and some of these citizens were even beaten with baton.

baton.

The South Asian country has so far reported a relatively small number of cases – 500 – compared to European nations that are reporting figures that span into tens of thousands, but there are fears that generally cramped living conditions, poverty, poor hygiene and a creaking healthcare system could quickly cause it to run out of control.

Experts warn that up to 500 million Indians could contract the virus within the next year, which would mean more than 1 million deaths in the next 12 months.

Kwara State Governor Abdulrazaq Suspends Perm Sec, 2 Others Over Alleged Extortion

Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara has ordered the suspension of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and two others for allegedly extorting farmers through sale of unauthorised registration forms.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Rafiu Ajakaye said this in a statement on Wednesday in Ilorin. He said the government at no time approved the sale of any forms to register farmers and found it strange that some officials would ever do such a thing to poor farmers.

“In the light of the development, we wish to state the following:

“That neither the Governor nor the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development at any time approved the sale of forms to anyone, including farmers, in the guise of whatever scheme or census for farmers. “That preliminary in-house findings have been made and they suggested clear wrongdoings.

“That the Head of Service has accordingly been directed to suspend all the affected officials, including the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry. “This is to send the signal that such misconduct will not be condoned by the Governor,”

“Government will ensure the refund of the money of the victim-farmers who would be requested to bring forward the said forms that they purchased to claim their refund.

“The government sincerely regrets this embarrassing behaviour of the affected officials and apologizes to the affected farmers,”

FG receives medical kits donated by Chinese billionaire

Federal Government has received test kits and preventive materials for Coronavirus donated by Chinese billionaire, Jack Ma, who promised to assist the 54 African countries with preventive materials to contain the spread of the disease in Africa.

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Abdullahi Mashi, who received the items on behalf of the Federal Government urged corporate organisations and individuals to support government in combating the scourge.Mashi disclosed that over 100 face masks and 20,000 test kits, among others items were sent to the country.

Also speaking, Director, Port Health Services, Dr. Morenike Oko commended Jack Ma for the gesture, adding that the items would go a long way in preventing the spread of the disease in the country.

The followed airlifting of medical materials by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) yesterday, from the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos to the Nnmadi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja in fulfillment of NAF’s role of providing Military Aid to Civil Authority (MACA).

Mashi thanked the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, for the timely deployment of aircraft to airlift the items to Abuja. He also expressed appreciation to NAF officers and men, who participated in the airlift mission for their professional conduct, adding that the items would go a long way in supporting government’s efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the country. Responding, NAF leadership expressed its readiness to provide support within its statutory responsibility of assisting civil authority as the country continues to battle COVID-19.

Obafemi Martins Set To Replace Ighalo At Shanghai

Nigerian striker Obafemi Martins is on the verge of a return to Shanghai Shenhua, Chinese media have reported, increasing the likelihood Odion Ighalo will make his stay at Manchester United a permanent one this summer.

Ighalo has made an impressive start to life at United, scoring four times in eight games since signing on loan until 31 May from the Chinese Super League club. Martins, who was previously contracted to Shenhua from 2016 until the end of the 2018 season, was reported by Titan Sports to have arrived in China on Tuesday and was being lined up to replace Ighalo ahead of the Chinese Super League season.

China’s domestic league has yet to start the 2020 season after kick-off was delayed indefinitely due to the coronavirus outbreak but speculation is mounting that the campaign will begin in late April or early May. England’s Premier League has been suspended due to the pandemic and will not resume before 30 April.

Coronavirus Is An International Conspiracy Against Muslims – Sheikh Jingir

Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, Leader of Izala Muslim sect in Plateau State, said the deadly coronavirus is an international deceit from the western world.

Jingir said it was a western conspiracy to stop Muslims from performing their religious rites, noting that the virus, was a lie.

The Islamic leader in a sermon to his followers on an Izala TV, monitored in Kaduna on Tuesday, insisted that corona-virus was all lies.

He noted that even the Present of Turkey had said Muslims shouldn’t shut mosque because of corona-virus, saying that they don’t believe in the deadly disease but Allah.

He specifically fingered the US President Donald Trump of having hand in the Corona-virus issue, asking his followers of the number of corona-virus victims they had seen or where victims had been buried.

He said any Muslim who believed in Trump’s corona-virus and stopped praying at the holy mosque in Mecca, should seek for God’s forgiveness.

He said:

“My religion of Islam is greater than my life; my president. No one can stop me from performing salat(prayer). Trump was amazed when he saw the circumambulation around the Kaaba in Mecca during his visit to Saudi Arabia.”

“He(Trump) therefore, vowed to stop it. Prophet Ibrahim (AS)has already prayed for the safety and security of Mecca.

“So, whoever believes in Trump’s coronavirus and stopped praying in the holy mosque in Mecca, should seek forgiveness and open the two holy mosques for the Muslims to pray.”

Jingir added:

“Is the virus as effective as fire that couldn’t burn Prophet Ibrahim( AS)? Then the virus is a lie. Whatever you will say, say the truth…a professor has said it was a lie…I’m sure some have heard him.

“President of Turkey declared that they shouldn’t stop the Juma’at congregation because of coronavirus. That they don’t believe in the virus, they only believe in Allah.

“Another country in Europe also took the same path. Ask President Trump. This coronavirus that was written in a book 39 years ago, is it now that they are unveiling it. How many graves of coronavirus victims have you seen. How many of the victims have you seen in hospitals?

“We were witnessed to the cholera epidemic in Kano and we saw how massive burials were done. We saw the graves. But where are those of coronavirus victims?

“Personally, to me, coronavirus is a lie. Every Muslim knows that Dujjal will appear at the end of the world, this Dujjal is a liar; a worthless liar who will appear and claim to be God. He has one eye and will travel round the world in 40 days.

“Dujjai will come to the world and deceive people with lies. So, those who were misled by Trump’s coronavirus will easily be misled by Dujjal.

“Prophet Muhammad(SAW)has said that the first thing a man will be judged with hereafter is the salat. Now they are toying with our salat.”

FDA will allow doctors to treat critically ill coronavirus patients with blood from survivors

The Food and Drug Administration will allow doctors across the country to begin using plasma donated by coronavirus survivors to treat patients who are critically ill with the virus under new emergency protocols approved Tuesday.

The FDA's decision comes a day after New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that the state's health department planned to begin treating the sickest coronavirus patients with antibody-rich plasma extracted from the blood of those who've recovered.

The treatment, known as convalescent plasma, dates back centuries and was used during the flu pandemic of 1918, in an era before modern vaccines and antiviral drugs. Some experts have argued that it might be the best hope for combating the coronavirus until more sophisticated therapies can be developed, which could take several months.

"The approach definitely has merit, and what's remarkable about it is it's not a new idea; it's been with us for a good hundred years or longer," said Dr. Jeffrey Henderson, an associate professor of medicine and molecular microbiology at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. "I think we don't know until we have experience and case reports with this particular disease whether it will be effective, but just based on its track record with a number of other viruses, I think it has a very good chance of working."

Henderson is part of a nationwide network of doctors and researchers, led by a team at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, who have been working to establish protocols for use of plasma to treat those suffering from COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

The method — essentially harvesting virus-fighting antibodies from the blood of previously infected patients — was associated with milder symptoms and shorter hospital stays for some patients during the 2002 SARS outbreak. And initial reports from China suggest convalescent plasma might also be effective in dulling the effects of COVID-19.

Under the emergency protocols approved by the FDA, doctors can request permission to treat critically ill COVID-19 patients on a case-by-case basis. For now, the experimental treatment will be reserved for patients who are in dire condition and at risk of death. The FDA will respond to most requests within four to eight hours, the agency said. For patients who require treatment faster, doctors can call the FDA's Office of Emergency Operations to get approval over the phone.

If the treatment is proven safe and effective, experts said it would likely work best if given to patients before symptoms become too severe. And past studies indicate that proactive infusions of convalescent plasma might also be effective in protecting front line health care workers from becoming seriously ill.

The FDA cautioned that plasma has not been proven effective for COVID-19 and that researchers wishing to test it more broadly should apply for permission to begin a trial.

"Although promising, convalescent plasma has not been shown to be effective in every disease studied," the FDA announcement said. "It is therefore important to determine through clinical trials, before routinely administering convalescent plasma to patients with COVID-19, that it is safe and effective to do so."

Experts said widespread use of convalescent plasma, if approved in the coming weeks, would require significant coordination between hospitals and the nation's blood banks.

In New York, health officials said they plan to begin recruiting patients this week who have fully recovered from COVID-19. That effort, officials said, would likely start in New Rochelle, the New York City suburb that was the center of the state's initial outbreak a few weeks ago, because of the concentration of people there who have already recovered.

"It's only a trial," Cuomo said Monday. "It's a trial for people who are in serious condition, but the New York state Department of Health has been working on this with some of New York's best health care agencies, and we think it shows promise, and we're going to be starting that this week."

COVID 19: Lagos on 'Lockdown' from Thursday

Sanwo-Olu: All Banks, Offices, Markets, Courts Should Close From Thursday

Lagos state government has ordered the closure of all banks, offices, markets and courts in the state effective from Thursday.

Governor Sanwo-Olu stated this after a meeting of the state security council at the State House, Marina Tuesday.

The Governor who insisted that the order was not a lockdown however said that this new directive will be for seven days in the first instance, even as he reduced the number of people who can be in a gatherering from 50 to 25 persons.

He also said that all travels to Lagos by Air or by road will no longer be encouraged.

Sanwo-Olu who said that the health situation was dire said all public parks, gym, swimming pools etc are also to close with immediate effect.

He said that the security agents had have been ordered to strictly enforce the directive as anyone who contravenes it will be dealt with.

Abba Kyari tests positive for coronavirus after Germany trip

Abba Kyari, chief of staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, has tested positive for coronavirus days after returning from an official trip to Germany, TheCable has learnt.

TheCable understands that he ran the test on Saturday based on medical advice, although he was not exhibiting any symptoms.

The result came back on Monday positive and he has gone into self-isolation as the symptoms are yet to manifest, TheCable learnt.

Following his result, Buhari was also advised to run a test but he was negative, Aso Rock sources told TheCable.

Alongside a minister, Buhari’s chief of staff had attended a meeting in Germany with officials of Siemens to discuss issues relating to the Nigerian power sector.

Reports of Kyari’s status of COVID-19 was disclosed after the federal executive council meeting was suspended indefinitely.

It is not clear if the development made the federal government to suspend the weekly meetings.

A letter Kyari wrote to the leadership of the national assembly on how federal lawmakers returning from overseas trips were allegedly evading screening had gone viral earlier on Monday.

Nigeria currently has 40 cases of coronavirus.

TheCable had reported about the anxiety at the presidential villa in Abuja over the self-isolation of Bala Mohammed, governor of Bauchi.

The governor went into self-isolation after shaking hands with Mohammed Atiku, one of the sons of Nigeria’s former vice-president, who tested positive for the virus.

The presidency is yet to comment on the COVID-19 status of Kyari and health authorities have also not spoken about it.

But on Monday night, the Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) confirmed a coronavirus case in Abuja.

It is unclear if it is the case of Kyari that the NCDC reported in the bulletin.

Treatments for COVID-19: Drugs being tested against the coronavirus

The world is now desperate to find ways to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus and to find effective treatments. As of Friday (March 20), 86 clinical trials of COVID-19 treatments or vaccines that are either ongoing or recruiting patients. New ones are being added every day, as the case count in the U.S. (and globally) skyrockets. The drugs being tested range from repurposed flu treatments to failed ebola drugs, to malaria treatments that were first developed decades ago. Here, we take a look at several of the treatments that doctors hope will help fight COVID-19.

Japan flu drug

A drug developed by Fujifilm Toyama Chemical in Japan is showing promising outcomes in treating at least mild to moderate cases of COVID-19, Live Science previously reported.

The antiviral drug, called Favipiravir or Avigan, has been used in Japan to treat influenza, and last month, the drug was approved as an experimental treatment for COVID-19 infections, Pharmaceutical Technology reported.

So far, reports suggest the drug has been tested in 340 individuals in Wuhan and Shenzhen. "It has a high degree of safety and is clearly effective in treatment," Zhang Xinmin, of China's science and technology ministry, said March 17, The Guardian reported.

The drug, which works by preventing certain viruses from replicating, seemed to shorten the duration of the virus as well as improve lung conditions (as seen in X-rays) in tested patients, though the research has yet to be published in a peer-reviewed science journal. 

Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine

Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of malaria, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, but preliminary research in human and primate cells suggests that the drugs could effectively treat COVID-19.

A 2005 study found that chloroquine could quell the spread of SARS-CoV when applied to infected human cells in culture. SARS-CoV is closely related to the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, and caused an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome in 2002. Chloroquine disrupts the ability of the SARS-CoV virus to enter and replicate in human cells, Live Science previously reported. The cell culture studies of SARS-CoV-2 revealed that the drug and its derivative hydroxychloroquine undermine the novel virus' replication in a similar way. 

Doctors in China, South Korea, France and the U.S. are now giving the drug to some patients with COVID-19 with promising, albeit anecdotal, results so far. The FDA is organizing a formal clinical trial of the drug. 

As of Feb. 23, seven clinical trials had been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry to test whether COVID-19 infections could be treated with hydroxychloroquine. In addition, the University of Minnesota is studying whether taking hydroxychloroquine can protect people living with infected COVID-19 patients from catching the virus themselves. 

In one heavily referenced study, conducted in France, a small number of patients with COVID-19 received either hydroxychloroquine alone or hydroxychloroquine in combination with an antibiotic called azithromycin. The authors reported that detectable concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 fell significantly faster in the study participants than coronavirus patients at other French hospitals who did not receive either drug. In six patients also given azithromycin, this promising effect appeared to be amplified. 

However, the CDC noted that the small, non-randomized study "did not assess clinical benefit[s]" associated with the treatment; in other words, the study did not probe whether the treated patients were more likely to recover and survive their illness. Additionally, the agency advised that doctors should be cautious when giving either drug to patients with chronic disease, such as kidney failure, and especially those "who are receiving medications that might interact to cause arrhythmias."

A failed Ebola drug

A Gilead Sciences drug that was originally tested in people with Ebola, remdesivir, is being repurposed to see if it can effectively treat COVID-19. 

The drug was found not to be effective in Ebola, but in lab studies, it has proven effective at inhibiting the growth of similar viruses, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). In a petri dish, remdesivir can prevent human cells from becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2, according to a letter published in the journal Nature in February.

The Food and Drug Administration has currently approved use of remdesivir for compassionate use, meaning only patients with severe COVID-19 disease can be approved for treatment. In other countries, requirements to receive remdesivir may be less stringent.

Five clinical trials in China and the U.S. are currently evaluating whether remdesevir can reduce complications or shorten the disease course in COVID-19 patients, the medical news site STAT reported. 

Many doctors are excited about the drug's potential.

"There's only one drug right now that we think may have real efficacy," Bruce Aylward of the World Health Organization said last month, as reported by STAT. "And that's remdesivir."

George Thompson, an infectious disease specialist at UC Davis Medical Center who treated an early, severe case of COVID-19, told Science magazine that their patient got better after getting the drug, about 36 hours after diagnosis. The doctors initially thought the patient would die, Thompson said.

However, such anecdotal evidence can't demonstrate effectiveness, and the lab has yet to analyze blood samples to show that the patient's clinical improvement following the administration of remdesivir coincided with a drop in viral load (concentration of viral particles). On the flip side, a study posted to the preprint database medRXiv looked at three patients treated with remdesivir. The study, which was not peer-reviewed, found no clear time-dependent relationship between getting the drug and seeing improvements in symptoms. The patients also experienced rectal bleeding, elevated liver enzymes, vomiting and nausea, which could potentially be tied to the drug.

Another quandary is that antiviral drugs generally work better the earlier patients get them, but because remdesivir is not FDA-approved for general use, only patients with the most severe, and late-stage, disease, qualify for its use in clinical trials, Thompson told Science.

On Sunday (March 22), Gilead Sciences announced that they were temporarily halting compassionate use of remdesivir, due to "overwhelming demand." Instead, they are focusing on approving previously submitted requests and streamlining the process, while directing people to enroll in clinical trials, STAT reported.

An HIV drug combination

The antiviral drug kaletra, a combination of lopinavir and ritonavir, generated early excitement. However, new data from China, published March 18 in the New England Journal of Medicine, could not detect a benefit when patients took the drug.

A total of 199 people with low oxygen levels were randomized to either receive kaletra or a placebo. While fewer people taking kaletra died, the difference was not statistically significant, meaning it could have been due to random chance. And both groups had similar levels of virus in their blood over time.

However, other studies are still ongoing, and there's still a possibility this combination could show some benefit. As with other antivirals, this drug would likely work better if given earlier in the disease course.

An immunosuppressant and an arthritis drug

For some patients with COVID-19, the virus itself doesn't do the worst damage. Rather, in some people their immune system goes into overdrive and launches an all-out assault known as a cytokine storm. That immune overreaction can damage tissue and ultimately kill people.

To quiet such cytokine storms, doctors are now trying an immunosuppressant known as Actemra, or tocilizumab. The drug is approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It blocks a cell receptor that binds something called interleukin 6 (IL-6). IL-6 is a cytokine, or a type of protein released by the immune system, that can trigger dangerous inflammatory cascades.

On March 19, pharmaceutical company Roche announced that it was launching a trial to see if tocilizumab could improve outcomes in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. One group will receive the drug plus other standard treatments, while another group will receive a placebo, plus standard treatments. 

Regeneron is enrolling patients in a clinical trial to test another IL-6 inhibitor, known as sarilumab (kevzara), for treating COVID-19 pneumonia. The logic behind using sarilumab is similar to that for tocilizumab.

A blood pressure drug

Losartan is a generic blood-pressure medication that some scientists are hoping could help patients with COVID-19. The University of Minnesota has launched two clinical trials using the inexpensive, generic drug. The first would evaluate whether losartan can prevent multi-organ failure in those hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia. The second would evaluate if the drug can prevent hospitalizations in the first place, Reuters reported.

Losartan works by blocking a receptor, or doorway into cells that the chemical called angiotensin II uses to enter the cells and raise blood pressure. SARS-CoV-2 binds to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, and it's possible, the thinking goes, that because losartan might block those receptors, it may prevent the virus from infecting cells. 

Complicating things, a paper published March 11 in the journal The Lancet has raised the possibility that common drugs for hypertension, such as ACE inhibitors and so-called angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), which includes losartan, might actually spur the body to make more ACE2, thereby increasing the ability of the virus to infiltrate cells. A recent study of 355 COVID-19 patients in Italy(study in Italian) found that three-quarters of the patients who died had hypertension, and the authors propose this is one reason for their increased susceptibility.