The number of COVID-19 deaths in the US nears 500,000 with President Joe Biden planning to mark the grim moment. Here are five updates about the pandemic this Monday morning.
WHO asks Tanzania to take action against COVID-19
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of World Health Organisation (WHO), has asked Tanzania authorities to take robust action against COVID-19 and report its daily cases amid surge of infections in the country.
Tanzania is one of the countries in the world that do not publish data of COVID-19 case
“Since then I have spoken with several authorities in Tanzania but WHO is yet to receive any information regarding what measures Tanzania is taking to respond to the pandemic”, he said.
“This situation remains very concerning. I renew my call for Tanzania to start reporting COVID-19 cases and share data.”
President John Magufuli of Tanzania reportedly played down COVID-19, claiming that the country defeated virus with “God’s hel
The president is said to have also refused to implement tough measures to curtail the spread of the infection.
But after months of denying the presence of COVID-19 in the country, the president admitted that the infection was spreading in Tanzania.
“When this respiratory disease erupted last year, we won because we put God first and took other measures. I’m sure we will win again if we do so this time around,” he said.
UK to publish roadmap for easing
Boris Johnson, UK prime minister, will on Monday publish a roadmap for “cautious” easing of lockdown restrictions in the country.
The first step in the plan is expected to commence on March 8 — the rules will be lifted in stages and four conditions must be met at each stage.
“Our decisions will be made on the latest data at every step, and we will be cautious about this approach so that we do not undo the progress we have achieved so far and the sacrifices each and every one of you has made to keep yourself and others safe,” Johnson said in a statement.
Johnson will share his finalised roadmap with ministers before unveiling it to members of parliament on Monday.
Biden to mark 500k COVID deaths
As the COVID-19 deaths in the US nears 500,000, President Joe Biden plans to mark the moment.
The president will deliver a speech and hold a candle-lighting ceremony at the White House to mark the grim event.
First lady, Jill Biden; Vice-President Kamala Harris, and Doug Emhoff, second gentleman, are expected to participate in the event.
Italy marks one year of COVID-19 outbreak
Sunday made it one year since Italy recorded its first death from COVID-19.
Italians marked the event with wreath-laying, tree planting and church services on Sunday.
According to Worldometers, global statistics platform, over 95,000 people have been killed by COVID-19 in the country.
Edo warns event planners against violating COVID-19 protocol
Edo state government has warned centres hosting social events in the state against violating the state’s COVID-19 protocol.
Osarodion Ogie, secretary to the state government, said event centres or business premises caught violating regulations on social gatherings will be shut and owners prosecuted.
He said the move is to curb the spread of the infection in the state.
