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Barcelona are one of a number of European clubs taking pay cuts during the pandemic Barcelona players will take a 70 per centpay cut during the coronavirus pandemic and make additional contributions to ensure non-sporting staff receive full wages. Captain Lionel Messi said the move was delayed as the players were “looking for a formula to help the club”. Juventus players and manager Maurizio Sarri agreed to freeze their pay for four months at the weekend Spain’s national death toll now stands at 7,340, making it the worst-affected country in the world behind Italy. German sides Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, have also agreed to take pay cuts. In a statement, Barca skipper Messi said, “Before going any further, we want to make it clear that we were always willing to reduce our salaries because we understand perfectly that we are in an exceptional situation. We, as players, are always here to help the the club when they ask. “It does not cease to surprise us th

China on Monday reported a drop in new coronavirus infections for a fourth day as drastic curbs on international travellers reined in the number of imported cases. Meanwhile, policymakers turned their efforts to healing the world’s second-largest economy. The city of Wuhan, at the centre of the outbreak, reported no new cases for a sixth day, as businesses reopened and residents set about reclaiming a more normal life after lockdown for almost two months. “The Wuhan International Plaza is very representative of the city. “So its reopening really makes me feel this city is coming back to life,’’ said Zhang Yu, 29. The National Health Commission said Sunday’s figure of 31 new cases, including one locally transmitted infection, was down from 45 the previous day. As infections fall, policymakers are scrambling to revitalise an economy nearly paralysed by months-long curbs to control the spread of the flu-like disease. The central bank unexpectedly cut the interest rate on r

The senators have agreed to donate half of their March salaries to the fight against the spread of coronavirus in the country. They are however still consulting  among themselves on the amount to cut from their own portion of the N128bn National Assembly budget approved for the year. Investigations by our correspondent on Sunday revealed that the senators have started sending half of their salaries to a dedicated account. The account it was learnt was being coordinated by the Senate Committee on House Services. The Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, confirmed to our correspondent on Sunday that his colleagues had started donating half of their March salaries. He said, “We’ve already given out 50 per cent of our  salaries like ministers, (to government)  amidst other individual efforts to our constituents.” But the Leader of the Senate, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, told our correspondent on Sunday that the senators were still consulting on the matter. He, how

Civil Defence members carry a patient on a stretcher as they arrive at the Severo Ochoa hospital in Leganes, Spain. Photo: AFP More than 600,000 cases of the novel coronavirus have been officially recorded around the world since the outbreak of the epidemic, according to an AFP tally at 1045 GMT on Saturday. There were 605,010 cases of infection with 27,982 deaths in 183 countries and territories. The United States had 104,837 cases of which 1,711 were fatal. Italy had the highest number of deaths at 9,134 and a total of 86,498 cases. China, the epicentre of the outbreak, had 81,394 cases and 3,295 deaths. The figures represent only a fraction of the number of infections as many countries only carry out tests on suspected cases if they are hospitalised.

The Peoples Democratic Party on Saturday expressed apprehensions and shock over the explosion that rocked a suburb of Akure, Ondo State. The explosion had injured many people and destroyed numerous houses. The PDP National Publicity Secretary,  Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, in a statement, also urged the Federal Government to immediately set up an inter-agency panel to conduct a forensic investigation into the remote and immediate causes of the explosion, particularly the source of the reported explosives and the purpose they were meant to serve. He insisted that a forensic investigation is imperative given the spate of such explosions in various parts of the country in recent time. Ologbondiyan said, “The PDP also demands that the Federal Government should immediately provide palliatives to the victims as well as the communities affected by the blast.” He called on the National Emergency Management Agency to immediately move in and commence the handling of emergency issues in the

The last executive session of the Senate before sitting was suspended for two weeks was with a drama over COVID-19. About 35 Senators who recently came back from London after a seminar on Petroleum Industry Governance Bill were isolated by their colleagues at the session because they refused to subject themselves to Coronavirus test. All the remaining senators refused to either shake hands or engage them in discussions. The usual camaraderie was absent as many senators wanted a snappy session. Findings at press time revealed that most of the senators opted for COVID-19 test only in private hospitals because they feared that their health status might leak from government clinics. All of them are keeping the results to themselves. The challenge at hand is that the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, does not know who is positive or negative among his colleagues. The Senate remains at a higher risk.

Singer David Adeleke, aka Davido, has said his fiancée, Chioma, tested positive for coronavirus. Davido disclosed this via his verified Instagram account on Friday evening. He said, “I came back recently from America after cancelling (my) tour. “My fiancée 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 fiancée’s result came back positive while all 31 others tested 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

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, has said the state may witness up to 39,000 cases of coronavirus. Abayomi at a briefing on Friday urged people to adhere to the social distancing advice of the state government to check the spread of the disease. He said, “Our mathematical modelling shows that the worst-case scenario is that we may see up to 39,000 cases in Lagos, but if everyone practises good social distancing, the figure will be limited to 13,000. “If we add social distancing to active contact tracing, then we will be able to bend the curve further. The figures may seem alarming at this point, but this is just to emphasise to the Lagos community to follow instructions of the incident commander to make sure that we practice social distancing. “Looking at the same timeframe from the introduction of the index case, you can see that Lagos State is not seen anywhere near what Spain, Italy, and Iran are showing. So, at weeks two and three of our index c

The United States has asked medical professionals seeking to work in America to apply for a work visa at the nearest US Embassy as part of measures to strengthen the health system to contain the coronavirus pandemic in the country. The government in a statement published on www.travel.state.gov on Friday, advised foreign medical professionals already in the US to consult with their sponsors to extend their programmes. According to World Health Organisation statistics as of 12:00 pm on Friday, 63,570 people have been infected with the virus and nearly 884 have died in the US which is quickly becoming the new epicenter of the outbreak. The statement read, “We encourage medical professionals seeking to work in the United States on a work or exchange visitor, particularly those working to treat or mitigate the effects of COVID-19, to reach out to the nearest embassy or consulate to request a visa appointment. “For those foreign medical professionals already in the United States:

The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has called on the Federal Government to immediately devise ways of providing relief for poor Nigerians whose daily livelihood will be affected as a result of the restriction on movement due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lawan, according to a statement by his media aide,  Ezrel Tabiowo,  made the appeal following a meeting between the leadership of the National Assembly and some ministers and heads of government agencies on Wednesday in Abuja. The Senate President said apart from the lockdown of business activities in the country, a plan must be devised by the Federal Government through the release of funds specifically for the purpose of purchasing food and pharmaceutical supplies for ordinary Nigerians. He warned that not making provisions ahead of time to address the basic needs of poor Nigerians may likely lead to more problems for the government, and less result in controlling the spread of the disease. He said, “Our prayer is that

Those eligible according to the apex bank must prove that they, their livelihood and business operations have been adversely affected by the spread of the virus. The Central Bank of Nigeria has announced that it would give a N50bn Targeted Credit Facility to households and small businesses affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19). Those eligible according to the apex bank must prove that they, their livelihood and business operations have been adversely affected by the spread of the virus. Businesses eligible for the scheme are agricultural value chain activities, hospitality, health (pharmaceuticals and medical supplies), airline service providers, manufacturing and value addition, and trading. The maximum amount to be received depending on proof of cash flow of investment size is N25m while households can access N3m with an interest rate of 5 per cent per annum for a maximum period of one year. The facility will be administered by the NISRAL Microfinance Bank and the Centr

Germany has boosted its coronavirus test rate to 500,000 a week, a virologist said Thursday, adding that early detection has been key in keeping the country’s death rate relatively low. “The reason why Germany has so few deaths compared to the number of infected people can be explained by the fact that we carry out an extremely large number of laboratory diagnostic tests,” said Christian Drosten, who heads the Institute of Virology at Berlin’s Charite University Hospital. “Estimates from the last days show that we are carrying out half a million tests a week,” he added. Drosten also highlighted Germany’s dense network of laboratories spread across its territory as a factor contributing to early detection. Meanwhile, the research ministry said it would commit 150 million euros ($164 million) to improve communication between hospitals and laboratories about coronavirus patients’ health data, hoping the information exchange could feed into the development of a vaccine. Offici

Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has called on the Federal Government and state governments to set up a palliative fund to assist Nigerians as they observe stay-at-home orders occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic. In a statement he personally signed on Wednesday, Atiku observed that much of the Nigerian population live on subsistence basis and do not have the financial capacity to cope with long periods of isolation or lockdown. “It is, therefore, incumbent on the Federal and state governments to provide palliatives to the Nigerian people to enable them survive, even as they abide by these necessary measures put in place for their own safety”, he said. Atiku announced a pledge of N50 million to the proposed fund, saying, “To this end, Priam Group pledges N50 million on my behalf as my humble contribution to a relief Fund that will form part of the stimulus package”. Stating modalities for the disbursement of the fund, Atiku said, “At an approximate 30 million households

The Argentine has helped fund Hospital Clinic which is both treating victims of the Covid-19 pandemic and researching the virus Lionel Messi has made a reported donation of €1 million (£920,000/$1.08 million) to Hospital Clinic, a public hospital in Barcelona, to help combat the coronavirus pandemic. The hospital confirmed Messi had made a donation on their official Twitter page, with Mundo Deportivo reporting the €1m figure. Such a donation would match that of Messi’s former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola, who has given €1m towards the purchase and production of medical supplies and equipment with another Barcelona-based campaign. Cristiano Ronaldo and agent Jorge Mendes  have also donated €1m to fund intensive care units in hospitals in Lisbon and Porto . A general statement from Hospital Clinic reads: “The Covid-19 pandemic is a health challenge that is being worked on with maximum coordination and effective healthcare, but it is also necessary to face the dis

Med ical supplies donated to African nations by Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba Group, have arrived Lagos. The shipment, which came in via an Ethiopian Airlines flight, carried 5.4 million face masks, 1.08 million detection tests, 40,000 sets of protective clothing and 60,000 sets of protective face shields. Receiving the donation on Tuesday in Lagos, Firihiewot Mekonnen, General Manager, Ethiopian Airlines, Nigeria, said, “We appreciate the donation of the Jack Ma Foundation and the generosity of Jack Ma.  “We admire Abiy Ahmed, our Prime Minister, for his initiative and organisation of the entire coordination of the process.” The donations entered the country less than 24 hours after the Nigerian Government waived a ban on cargo flights coming into the country as a result of the spread of the virus. Mekonnen said, “Today, we are very happy to deliver these medical supplies to the Government and people of Nigeria.”  The shipment, which came in via an Ethiopian Airlines fligh

After the massive acceptance of "WEAKNESS", the Ondo born talented singer, Mayowa Oluwatobiloba, but popularly known by his stage name, Oluwa_Tee_West come through with another inspirational track, a song one will always need to be listening to every morning when he wakes, titled " PRAYER " featuring the "School Father crooner" , K4C. Prayer is his second official single in the year 2020. Listen and Download Prayer by OluwaTeeWest Ft K4C Click to download if audio features did not show it means your browser do not support.

Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State has asked all his 35 colleagues to go into self-isolation immediately. Fayemi, who is the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors Forum, said he had done the coronavirus test having been exposed to two persons who had tested positive for COVID-19. The Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed; and the President’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari, tested positive on Tuesday and have been quarantined. Bala and Kyari met with governors and ministers last week. In a  Facebook  post on Wednesday, Fayemi wrote, “I just took the Covid19 test having gone into self-isolation since yesterday evening. I’m asymptomatic and feel well but I was in meetings with two people who had since tested positive. “I look forward to an all clear and I have encouraged all my colleagues to take the test.”

Authorities of the Nigeria Army are preparing for a lockdown following the outbreak and continued spread of Coronavirus in the country. In a classified document from the office of Chief of Army Staff, Yusuf Buratai, addressed to Army Headquarters and seen by SaharaReporters on Tuesday, personnel were advised to be on the alert as they could be deployed to various parts of the country in the coming days to help in the fight against Coronavirus in Nigeria. The document further said that the army may likely get involved in an operation codenamed SECOND ELEVEN to help stop the spread of the virus. The document signed by Lt Gen L.O. Adeosun, ordered commanders at all levels to suspend all events involving large gatherings such as meetings, briefings and conferences.  It also ordered suspensions of all foreign courses, conferences, seminars and other overseas trips by personnel.  The memo reads, “All Nigeria Army schools and training centres including the Army War College are to

#BREAKING UPDATE is that Prez @MBuhari is very sick with persistent coughing. A ventilator has been brought in from a  hospital to set up a makeshift ICU to treat our Commander-in-Chief. He had contact with his Chief of staff Mr Kyari who tested positive for CORONAVIRUS #COVID19 .

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India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi has imposed a nationwide lockdown in an attempt to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The restrictions came into force at midnight local time (18:30 GMT) and will be enforced for 21 days. "There will be a total ban on venturing out of your homes," Mr Modi said in a televised address. He appealed for people not to panic - but crowds quickly mobbed stores in the capital, Delhi, and other cities. Correspondents say it is not clear how - or even if - people will now be allowed out to buy food and other essentials. The new measures follow a sharp increase in cases in recent days. There have been 519 confirmed cases across India and 10 reported deaths. India - which has a population of 1.3bn - joins a growing list of countries that have imposed similar measures. Nearly 400,000 people have tested positive for the virus worldwide, and around 17,000 have died. India has seen a sharp increase in coronavirus cases in recent day

Talented singer, 9izkid  is out with a new tune titled “ MELANIN ” that will melt the heart of your love ones This happens to be 9izkid first project for the year 2020 and it’s a must-hear for everybody. Listen and Download  MELANIN by 9izkid Click to download if audio features did not show it means your browser do not support.

The National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos was on Monday shut down following the coronavirus outbreak. Bode Durotoye, the Liaison Officer of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, told the News Agency of Nigeria that the directive was from Sunday Dare, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development. Durotoye said the facility would be re-opened to the public when the situation improves. “I got the directive from the minister this morning (Monday) that we should shut down the National Stadium in Lagos temporarily in line with the Federal Government’s directive that all social gatherings should be suspended for now,” he said. NAN reports that the Lagos State Government had directed that not more than 50 people should gather at any public place for now. The liaison officer said the steps were part of governments’ initiatives to curtail the spread of the virus in the country. He added that the office last Friday had issued notices to all the fitness clubs operating at the stadium not to u

Here are the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis: – One third of people confined – More than 2.6 billion people worldwide are in lockdown after India introduced its measures to fight the coronavirus pandemic at 1830 GMT, more than one-third of a global population. In France scientific experts advising the government on the outbreak say a lockdown imposed on March 17 should last at least six weeks in total. Senegal, Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone come under state of emergency and nightime curfew. Egypt will impose a night-time curfew for two weeks from Wednesday. Cuba will quarantine foreign tourists from Tuesday when it seals its borders. – China epicentre opens up – Hubei, where the novel coronavirus emerged late last year, will allow healthy residents to leave the province from midnight. Officials say rules will be relaxed in the hardest-hit city of Wuhan on April 8. – More than 400,000 cases – At least 18,259 deaths have been recorded since the virus f