Coronavirus updates As it happens (2020-04-13)
Apr 14, 2020
Data Is One Of Our Most Powerful Weapons In The Fight Against COVID-19 –Bawumia
The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has stated that the gathering and availability of data have played a significant role in Ghana's battle against COVID-19 so far.
Identifying suspected cases, testing and tracing contacts of confirmed cases and treating them has become the most effective way of tackling the virus around the world, and with nearly 40,000 tests conducted so far, Ghana is ranked among the top 20 countries in the world as far as per capita testing of COVID-19 is concerned.
Apr 13, 2020
Only vaccine will stop global virus spread, WHO chief says
By BBC News
Only an effective vaccine against the coronavirus can “fully interrupt transmission” of the disease worldwide, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has said.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a media briefing that the “global connectedness” of the world meant the risk of a resurgence of Covid-19 would continue.
“Ultimately, the development and delivery of a safe and effective vaccine will be needed to fully interrupt transmission,” Dr Tedros said.
Most experts say a vaccine that gives people immunity to coronavirus will not be developed and mass produced for at least a year.
Read more: Are we getting closer to a vaccine or drug?
As some countries consider lifting social-distancing restrictions, Dr Tedros cautioned against doing so until “the right public health measures are in place”.
World Health Organization
Apr 13, 2020
Trump: US disease expert Fauci 'won't be fired'
By BBC News
The White House has denied that President Trump plans to fire top US disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci, less than a day after Trump retweeted a comment calling for Fauci's removal.
“This media chatter is ridiculous - President Trump is not firing Dr Fauci," the latest statement reads.
"The president’s tweet clearly exposed media attempts to maliciously push a falsehood about his China decision in an attempt to rewrite history," said the statement from Trump aide Hogan Gidley, referring to Trump's decision to block visitors from China in late January.
The speculation was largely driven by Trump himself, who retweeted "Time to #FireFauci" hours after the doctor appeared on CNN saying that if mitigation techniques had been employed earlier, more US lives could have been saved.
Read more here:
Fauci says US 'could have saved lives' with earlier action
Apr 13, 2020
McDonald's in China apologises after Africans banned
By BBC News
McDonald's in China has apologised after one of its restaurants in the city of Guangzhou banned black people over fears that Africans were spreading coronavirus.
The company said the outlet had closed for half a day on Sunday for training on "diversity and inclusion".
There have been widespread reports of discrimination against the large African population in Guangzhou.
On Monday, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said China treated all foreigners equally - although he added that the authorities in Guangzhou would adopt "new" measures.
Getty Images
Apr 13, 2020
How will my children survive Lagos lockdown?
By BBC News
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered a two-week extension to a lockdown in largest city Lagos, neighbouring Ogun state and capital Abuja.
Confinement measures have been in place since 30 March and Buhari said in a televised address that "it has become necessary to extend the current restriction of movement", which was set to expire later on Monday.
"We must not allow a rapid increase in community transmission," Buhari said. "We must endure a little longer."
Africa's most populous nation has so far reported 323 confirmed infections and 10 deaths, but testing has been limited to 5,000 samples. The measures have proved difficult in a country where almost half the 200 million population live in dire poverty.
The lockdown affects more than 25 million people, many of them living in congested neighbourhoods. The government has pledged a raft of support measures to ease the financial pain, but many are worried about how they will cope.
"It is hunger I am worried about, not a virus," Debby Ogunsola told the BBC.
Getty Images
Apr 13, 2020
COVID-19 Donations: Tamale Residents Laud Dr. Anyars For His Continuous Efforts In Valuing Their Health
Residents of Tamale Central Constituency have applauded Dr. Ibrahim Anyars, NPP Parliamentary Candidate for the Tamale Central Constituency for his outstanding contributions to the welfare of the people in the constituency.
For the past weeks, Dr. Anyars has been donating sanitizers, veronica buckets, soaps, basins, and gloves to all constituents without discrimination. Whiles receiving the items, many of the residents acknowledged his continuous efforts in providing social interventions that improve the lives of the people, noticeable among them are regular free medical treatment and screening in the constituency.
Apr 13, 2020
COVID-19: South Africans In Ghana Repatriated
Some 100 South African nationals who were in Ghana on short stay were Monday repatriated back home.
The South African Ambassador to Ghana, Lulana Ximgwana, who escorted them to the Kotoka International Airport (KIA), said the repatriation involves South Africans who came to Ghana on special missions and had completed their jobs.
Apr 13, 2020
Prayers Alone Won’t Stop COVID-19 — Togbe Afede
The President of the National House of Chiefs, Togbe Afede XIV, has urged traditional and religious leaders to support the national efforts toward stopping and containing the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, in the country.
He said while the role of both traditional and religious leaders cannot be underestimated in the bid to end the spread of COVID-19, they should be mindful of actions that goes against the measures put in place by the government.
Apr 13, 2020
COVID-19 Can Spread Farther By Those Exercising Outdoors — Simulation Research
TAMPA, Fla. - They’re too small to see, but knowing they exist could play a big role in avoiding COVID-19 .
Researchers in Belgium and the Netherlands created simulations that show even if you’re exercising outside, you could be exposed to the novel coronavirus through what’s called a slipstream.
Apr 13, 2020
COVID-19: No Field Staff Has Tested Positive In Eastern Region – NIA
The National Identification Authority (NIA) has denied claims that its field officers in the Eastern Region have tested positive for novel COVID-19.
According to the Authority, information circulating on social media which indicates that three NIA officials in the Eastern Region have tested positive for the disease is false.