Mobile Courts to Enforce Lockdown Directives
The Federal Government introduced 13 mobile courts across the Federal Capital Territory to prosecute violators of the lockdown directives. Similarly, Rivers state set-up mobile courts to try lockdown violators in the state. Anambra state government is also in the process of setting-up a similar structure to arraign and prosecute persons attempting to leave or enter the state.
Relaxation of Lockdown and the Potential Increase Community Spread of Covid-19
The Nigeria Medical Association, Lagos state chapter has expressed grave concern that the phased and gradual relaxation of the lockdown can increase the community spread of Covid-19 because the disease can be spread by asymptomatic carriers. Impliedly, the social engagement of asymptomatic persons will easily increase the spread of the virus with the easing of the lockdown.
Political Appointees to Donate 50% Salary to Fight Covid-19
Commissioners and Political Appointees in Nassarawa State have agreed to donate 50% of their salaries for the months of June, July, and August 2020 to support the government’s efforts towards containing the Covid-19 pandemic in the state.
Residents Storm Banks and Markets upon Relaxation of Covid-19 Lockdown
It was reported that Nigerians in Lagos, Ogun and Federal Capital Territory stormed banks, markets and other business facilities on Monday, 4th of May, at the commencement of gradual phasing and relaxation of the 5 weeks total lockdown order. In several viral videos, people were seen struggling to gain access to banking facilities with no consideration for social distancing, and with only a few wearing face mask.
Covid-19: Federal government to disinfect schools nationwide
The Ministry of Environment has stated that it is initiating a programme to decontaminate and disinfect all schools across the country before they are re-opened. The Ministry is collaborating with the Ministry of Education to obtain data on all schools in Nigeria for the exercise. All schools at all levels, and across the country remain closed as part of efforts to tackle the spread of coronavirus and there is no update on when they will be opened. To ensure that education continues even through the crisis, some online platforms have been created to enable students learn at home. These include www.schoolgate.ng and www.mobileclassroom.com.ng. These platforms are however out of the reach of most indigent Nigerians and those in the rural areas who have no access to power and internet
Infection among Almajiri Children
The spread of Covid-19 among Almajiri children has worsened. As at Monday 11th of May, it was reported that 65 Almajiri children were among the 72 Covid-19 active cases in Kaduna State; and that out of the received ‘deported’ 680 Almajirai under quarantine in the state, 210 have been discharged. Consequently, The Kaduna State governor, has vowed to end the Almajiri system in the state.
Similarly in Kano state, it was reported that 40 out of 148 Almajirai received by the state have tested positive to Covid-19 while the state awaits result for over 500 others.
It will be recalled that the Northern Governors Forum in April reached a decision to ban the Almajiri system of education in their states. Their willpower to implement this decision post Covid, and provide alternative learning avenues for these children, however remains to be seen.