March 2020

Why Coronavirus Became A Social Media Nightmare

Why Coronavirus Became A Social Media Nightmare

March 29, 2020 6:15 pm

The biggest reputational risk Facebook and other social media companies had expected in 2020 was fake news surrounding the US presidential election. Be it foreign or domestic in origin, the misinformation threat seemed familiar, perhaps even manageable.

The novel coronavirus, however, has opened up an entirely different problem: the life-endangering consequences of supposed cures, misleading claims, snake-oil sales pitches and conspiracy theories about the outbreak.

So far, AFP has debunked almost 200 rumors and myths about the virus, but experts say stronger action from tech companies is needed to stop misinformation and the scale at which it can be …

lockdown Italy's 'Very Long' Lockdown To Only End Gradually

Italy’s ‘Very Long’ Lockdown To Only End Gradually

March 29, 2020 6:14 pm

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte’s government prepared Italians for a “very long” lockdown Sunday that would only be lifted gradually despite its economic hardship and traumatic impact on daily lives.

The message from ministers and health officials came as Italy’s world-topping toll rose by 756 — well bellow Friday’s record of 969 — and the rate of coronavirus infections slowed to under six percent for the first time.

Yet the government appeared more focused on the nearing April 3 deadline to lift a national lockdown that had never been tried by a Western democracy — and has since been replicated across …

Coronavirus - Trump Backs Away From New York Quarantine

Coronavirus: Trump Backs Away From New York Quarantine

March 29, 2020 12:51 pm

US President Donald Trump has said quarantining New York “will not be necessary”, after the state’s governor said doing so would be “preposterous”.

Mr Trump said the latest decision was taken on the recommendation of the White House Coronavirus Task Force.

The president had earlier said he might impose a quarantine on New York, and parts of New Jersey and Connecticut, to slow the spread of Covid-19.

There are more than 52,000 cases in New York.

The state has about half of the total confirmed Covid-19 cases in the entire US.

Mr Trump tweeted that instead of quarantine, a “strong …

Belarus League Attracts Global Attention As It Plays On

Belarus League Attracts Global Attention As It Plays On

March 29, 2020 12:51 pm

Football is suspended in the UK and across most of world because of the coronavirus pandemic – but the game rolls on in Belarus.

The Belarusian Premier League rarely gets a mention in normal circumstances yet it is attracting attention from foreign fans as one of the few places around the globe – and the only place in Europe – where football is still being played.

On Saturday, there were six top-flight games in the eastern European country including the derby between FC Minsk and Dinamo Minsk watched by a capacity 3,000 crowd in Belarus’ capital.

“It so happened that …

Modi India's PM Modi Begs For 'Forgiveness' Over Lockdown

India’s PM Modi Begs For ‘Forgiveness’ Over Lockdown

March 29, 2020 12:50 pm

India’s prime minister Narendra Modi has asked for his country’s forgiveness after imposing a sweeping lockdown that he said had hurt millions of poor people.

Criticism has mounted over the lack of planning ahead of the coronavirus shutdown, which was introduced with less than four hours’ notice.

Many of India’s 1.3 billion citizens have been left jobless and hungry.

Tens of thousands of migrant labourers have been forced to walk hundreds of kilometres to their native villages.

In his weekly radio address PM Narendra Modi apologised for the impact of the strict stay-at-home measures.

But he said there was “no …

Why Ventilators Are Very Important In The Covid-19 Fight

Why Ventilators Are Very Important In The Covid-19 Fight

March 29, 2020 12:50 pm

Countries with a large number of cases are struggling to meet the demand for supplies and equipment needed to arm those on the front lines against COVID-19, the highly infectious respiratory disease caused by the virus.

Ventilators – mechanical breathing devices – are crucial in the fight to save patients whose lungs are assailed by the virus.

A ventilator for use during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak is pictured in Santa Cruz, Bolivia March 26, 2020. REUTERS/Rodrigo Urzagasti
A ventilator for use during the coronavirus outbreak in
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US-Led Forces Pull Out Of Third Iraqi Base This Month

US-Led Forces Pull Out Of Third Iraqi Base This Month

March 29, 2020 12:49 pm
The United States-led coalition forces in Iraq withdrew on Sunday from a military base in the country’s north that nearly launched Washington into an open war with neighbouring Iran.

The K1 airbase is the third site coalition forces have left this month, in line with the US plans to consolidate its troops in two locations in Iraq.

A rocket attack on the base in late December had killed an American contractor and led to a series of tit-for-tat attacks between the US and Iran-backed Iraqi militia groups. The attacks culminated in the US-directed killing of top Iranian General Qassem Soleimani

…
Deadliest Day For Spain As Coronavirus Cases Surge

Deadliest Day For Spain As Coronavirus Cases Surge

March 29, 2020 12:49 pm

Spain’s health ministry has announced 838 new coronavirus deaths, marking the country’s highest daily jump in fatalities and bringing its total to 6,528.

Elsewhere, US President Donald Trump backed away from imposing a quarantine in the New York area, instead directing that a “strong travel advisory” be issued for the region to limit the spread of the new coronavirus.

The US now accounts for the highest number of coronavirus infections of any nation, recording more than 122,000 confirmed cases on Saturday. The death toll in the country surged past 2,000, more than double the figure two days ago.

Worldwide, the …

Buhari Speaks To The Nation Today

Buhari Speaks To The Nation Today

March 29, 2020 11:57 am
President Muhammadu Buhari will broadcast to Nigerians today on the state of the coronavirus pandemic in the country.

On Saturday, health minister, Osagie Ehanire briefed the President.

Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina said the broadcast will hold at 7 pm.

Read Also: With Buhari Absent From Frontline, Govs Exercise Powers

“President Muhammadu Buhari will broadcast to the nation Sunday, March 29, 2020, at 7 pm”, he said.

“Television, radio, and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to hook up to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) respectively

…
Coronavirus - Results Of Sanusi, Wives Announced

Coronavirus: Results Of Sanusi, Wives Announced

March 29, 2020 11:56 am
The former Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido, and his wives have tested negative for COVID-19.

This was contained in a statement signed by the former Central Bank of Nigeria’s son, Adam Sanusi, on Sunday.

In the statement, Sanusi urged Nigerians to comply with the government’s directives, adding that being infected with coronavirus was not a death sentence.

The statement read in part, “We have been inundated with calls asking about the health and safety of my father (Sanusi) especially given the number of visitors he received on arrival in Lagos, and a number of contacts he had who have either …

Coronavirus Spreads At UCH, More Top Shots Test Positive

Coronavirus Spreads At UCH, More Top Shots Test Positive

March 29, 2020 11:56 am

The coronavirus infection has spread at the University College Hospital in Ibadan, Oyo state. At the moment, three top shots are affected.

After the Chief Medical Director (CMD) Professor Jesse Otegbayo said he tested positive, two top officials announced today that they have also caught the bug.

They are the Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. Oluwabunmi Olapade-Olaopa, and his deputy, Prof. Obafunke Denloye.

Olapade-Olaopa announced his status and his colleague’s in a statement today.

Read Also: Eating Garlic, Hand Dryer: WHO Busts 15 Coronavirus Myths

“I wish to inform you that the Deputy Provost and I tested positive

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Nollywood Supports Desmond Elliot Against Coronavirus

Nollywood Supports Desmond Elliot Against Coronavirus

March 29, 2020 11:55 am

Chairman, House Committee on the Environment, Lagos State Assembly Desmond Elliot has taken the coronavirus campaign to his Surulere constituency with support from some Nollywood stars.

The campaign powered by Elliot was headed by top movie producer and director, Chico Ejiro, featuring the likes of Zack Orji, Paul Obazele, Segun Arinze, Angela Phillips, Torino, and Obi Osotule among others, to distribute flyers and sanitizers to Surulere residents at different locations.

The campaign tagged: ‘Coronavirus (COVID-19) Public Advisory’ with the hashtag; ‘LagosAgainstCoronaVirus’ advised the general public to ‘monitor yourself closely and diligently during the self -quarantine, to identify if you develop …

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