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UK Confirms First Death From Omicron COVID-19 Variant
At least one person has died in Britain after being infected with the Omicron variant, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday, as the country launched an ambitious Covid booster shot programme to stop the virus’ spread.
Britain — among the countries worst hit by the global health crisis since last year — is believed to be the first government to officially announce a death from the virus mutation.
On a visit to a vaccination centre in west London, Johnson said Omicron accounted for about 40 per cent of the cases in the British capital, and hospital admissions were rising.
“Sadly, at least one patient has been confirmed to have died with Omicron,” he told reporters, a day after warning the country was facing a “tidal wave” of infection.
Britain on Sunday sounded the alarm by raising the national Covid Alert Level because of high levels and rising rates of transmission.
In a rare televised address, Johnson said emergency measures were needed to prevent hospitals from becoming overwhelmed in the weeks ahead.
All adults will now be able to receive a third dose of a Covid vaccine by the end of December after the government brought forward its deadline by one month.
But in a sign of huge demand, the National Health Service (NHS) vaccination booking site crashed and users requesting rapid testing kits were told they were out of stock.
Long queues were seen at London clinics. At one, Sarah Jackson, 29, said she had taken the morning off to get a jab before visiting her grandparents at Christmas.
“I don’t know if it’s going to be enough. I was told there is a queue of two hours to register and then two hours to get vaccinated,” she told AFP.
“But I have to go back to work at 1:30 pm.”
The “turbocharged” booster programme has seen military planners asked to set up and run extra vaccination centres around the clock.
Some 500,000 booster jabs were given on Saturday but to hit the new deadline that number will have to be doubled every day for the remainder of the year to slow the spread.
December 13, 2021
Omicron variant: UK Red Listing Nigeria Is Unjust, Discriminatory – Lai Mohammed
The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has condemned the red listing of Nigeria by the UK government over the two cases of the omicron variant of COVID-19.
Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, Mr Mohammed described the decision as unjust and discriminatory.
The minister has, however, called on the UK government to rescind their decision immediately.
Also discussed at the summit is the way forward as regards an upscale of the current responses to the pandemic including ongoing mass vaccination, surveillance and screening at the various points of entry.
Lai Mohammed’s comments are the latest reactions to the red listing which has continued to stir debates in Nigeria and across the world.
Earlier, the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, expressed disappointment over the United Kingdom government’s placement of Nigeria on its red list following the detection of the COVID-19 Omicron variant.
“We were not very happy when six countries in Sub-Saharan Africa were placed on a red list and the WHO also advised against putting each other on the red list,” the minister said on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, less than one day after the UK announced the move.
“From what we know about the COVID-19, there are many ways to manage it, and besides, not much is still known about the Omicron variant. We know, for example, that there have been no fatalities.
“There have also been no reports of very severe illness. Actually, the rationale for being so hasty in putting countries on the red list is not something that is very helpful.”
According to the minister, the move was ill-advised. He further noted that it would have multiple impacts on commerce, and disrupt activities during the Christmas and New Year festivities.
December 6, 2021
Omicron Variant: FG faults UK Govt’s Red Listing Of Nigeria, Others
The Federal Government on Sunday ruled out the possibility of restricting foreign travellers from visiting Nigeria despite travel bans on the country by Canada, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, Singapore and Hong Kong.
This is just as the government stated that most of the in-bound passengers that tested positive for COVID-19 were from the UK.
The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, expressed disappointment over the United Kingdom government’s placement of Nigeria on its red list following the detection of the COVID-19 Omicron variant.
“We were not very happy when six countries in Sub-Saharan Africa were placed on a red list and the WHO also advised against putting each on the red list,” the minister said on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, less than one day after the UK announced the move.
“From what we know about the COVID-19, there are many ways to manage it, and besides, not much is still known about the Omicron variant. We know, for example, that there have been no fatalities.
“There have also been no reports of very severe illness. Actually, the rationale for being so hasty in putting countries on the red list is not something that is very helpful.”
According to the minister, the move was ill-advised as he noted that it would have multiple impacts on commerce, and disrupt activities during the Christmas and New Year festivities.
“It is going to disrupt commerce,” he added. It is going to disrupt family reunions.”
Ban List Not ‘Helpful’
He explained that while Nigeria has detected the COVID-19 virus on travellers from the UK, the cases have not been confirmed to be the Omicron variant.
While reiterating that the placement of countries on the red list will not help in the global fight against the pandemic, Ehanire said Nigeria is anticipating the fourth wave of the disease.
“If every country were going to put other countries on the ban list, very soon you would have a large number of countries on your red list,” the minister said.
“So, I do believe there are other ways of going about it. We in Nigeria do not regard banning flights and movements of people as particularly helpful and supportive.”
The UK’s move, which came a few days after Nigeria detected the new strain, followed a similar decision by the Canadian authorities.
“Foreign nationals who have transited or stayed in these 10 countries cannot enter Canada if they have been in those countries in the last two weeks,” Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos told a press conference.
Aside from Nigeria, Egypt and Malawi were the other countries recently added to Canada’s travel ban list.
December 6, 2021
Omicron: UK suspends processing of visitor visa applications from Nigeria
The British High Commission says it will “pause making decisions” on visitor visa applications from all red list countries, including Nigeria.
The decision was announced in a statement issued on Sunday by the commission.
The development comes hours after the UK added Nigeria to its travel red list as a result of concerns over the Omicron COVID variant.
Speaking in an interview on Saturday, Sajid Javid, the UK health secretary, had announced a temporary ban on foreign travellers from Nigeria, adding that “only UK residents or citizens of the UK can enter the UK from Nigeria from that point onwards, and they would have to quarantine in one of the relevant hotels”.
On the announcement on the suspension of processing visitor visa applications in Nigeria, the UK said the decision will be in effect until the travel ban is lifted.
“To support the UK Government’s aim to protect public health from COVID-19 and associated variants of concern (VOC), UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) will pause making decisions on visitor visa applications in all red list countries, including Nigeria, until travel restrictions are lifted,” the statement reads.
“Visit visas cover travel to the UK for tourism, visiting family and friends, undertaking short-term business activities (for example, attending meetings), undertaking short-term studies (under 6 months), taking part in research or exchange programmes as an academic, medical reasons (for example, receiving private medical treatment).
“If you apply for a visit visa in a red list country and you meet the UK Immigration Rules, your application will be paused. You will not receive a decision on your visit visa application whilst red list travel restrictions remain in place.
“You will not be able to request a refund of your visa fee once you have given your biometrics at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). If you already hold a valid visit visa and are intending to travel to England as a visitor from a red list country, you will not be allowed to enter.
“Separate guidance is available for travellers entering Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Use https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control and https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-list-of-countries-and-territories.”
The commission also said visas or entry permits from red list countries will only be issued where there are compelling and compassionate circumstances.
“There are only very limited exemptions to travel and entry requirements for critical workers and medical and compassionate cases,” the statement reads.
“If you have submitted a visit visa application and you do not wish to withdraw, we will continue to hold your application.
“If you choose to continue with your visa application, you will not receive a decision on your visit visa whilst red list travel restrictions remain in place.”
December 5, 2021
Insecurity: UK Warns Citizens against Travelling to 12 Nigerian States
The United Kingdom government has warned its citizens in Nigeria against visiting 12 states in the country over possible terror attacks.
The advisory from the UK through its Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) followed concerns on the possibility of terrorists carrying out attacks in Nigeria.
In a statement published on its website “still current at October 16, 2021,” it expressed concern over protests and a heightened security presence in major cities due to the trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mr. Nnamdi Kanu.
The foreign government also urged its citizens to monitor local media, and avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings.
The UK listed the Nigerian states as: Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara.
Other states are: Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River.
The FCDO also advised against all but essential travel to: Bauchi, Kano, Jigawa, Niger, Sokoto and Kogi aand within 20kilometres of the border with Niger in Kebbi State, and Abia State.
It also cautioned UK citizens against travelling to the non-riverine areas of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states.
According to the advisory, events to mark the one year anniversary of #EndSARS protests are likely to take place nationally, week commencing October 18.
“There may be protests and a heightened security presence in major cities such as Lagos and Abuja. In parallel, the high profile trial date of a separatist leader is also scheduled for 21 October in Abuja. There may be additional protests and a heightened security presence in Abuja and in the South-east for this reason. In all areas affected, you should monitor local media, and avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings,” the advisory stated.
FCDO noted that from September 3, 2021, the Nigerian government had mandated for all telecommunication operators in Nigeria to stop extending services to Zamfara State.
This, according to the FCDO, includes a suspension of all mobile telecommunications, including WiFi.
It added that a number of other state governments, including Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi and Niger had also implemented a partial shutdown of telecom services.
“Since 9 August, there has been an increase in protests and demonstrations in the South-east region of Nigeria. Protests, including “Stay at Home” protests, are likely during October in the South-east region. There have been reports of violence during Sit-at-Home protests previously. You should monitor local media, avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings and follow any instructions from local police and security forces,” the advisory explained.
It noted a number of attacks and targeted killings in the South-east and South-south regions, including in the states of Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Imo, Abia, Anambra, Delta, Edo and Ebonyi.
According to the FCDO, some of these attacks have been on isolated roads and in remote locations.
It, however, added that there is a chance that they could occur in metropolitan areas.
“There is also a heightened risk of indiscriminate attacks on police and security infrastructure, which may inadvertently affect bystanders. A number of states have imposed curfews. Travelers to these regions are advised to exercise caution if travelling in remote areas at night and follow local news and information outlets for further information, including on local curfews,” the advisory added.
October 18, 2021
UK Approves COVID-19 Vaccines Administered in Nigeria
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, yesterday debunked statements suggesting that the COVID-19 vaccines administered in Nigeria were not approved by the UK.
She added that the claim was “completely untrue” and should be disregarded.
The UK has also moved Nigeria to the “rest of the world” travel list about the travel rule billed to take effect from October 4, 2021.
In a statement yesterday, Laing said the UK approves of vaccines currently in use in Nigeria irrespective of the manufacturer.
She said that Nigeria is on the “rest of the world” list, with simplified travel measures.
She said the UK has so far donated 1.2 million vaccines to Nigeria through COVAX and will continue to support the country in accessing COVID-19 vaccines.
She encouraged all eligible Nigerians to get vaccinated to help stop the spread of the virus.
“The UK is committed to global access to vaccines and is among the largest funders to COVAX. The UK has donated 1.2 million vaccines specifically to Nigeria through COVAX and will continue to provide support,” Laing said.
“The UK strongly supports the work of the Nigerian health authorities and Nigeria’s vaccination campaign, and strongly encourages all eligible residents in Nigeria to get vaccinated. Only once we are all vaccinated can we end the spread of COVID-19.
“I would like to emphasise that any statements that COVID-19 vaccines administered in Nigeria are not approved by the UK are completely untrue. The UK recognises the Oxford-Astra Zeneca, Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccines used in Nigeria, irrespective of where they are manufactured.”
Speaking about rules concerning international travel to the UK, the high commissioner said the UK is using the COVID-19 vaccination certification process to ensure people enter the country safely.
She said from October 4 the current travel system would be simplified and Nigeria which is currently on the amber list will be added to the ‘rest of the world’ list with simplified travel measures.
“The UK is committed to opening up international travel and we are using our COVID-19 vaccination certification process to enable those wishing to enter the UK to do so safely. We know these matters hugely to many people in the UK and Nigeria – the extensive people-people ties between our two countries are at the heart of our bilateral relationship,” she said.
“From 4 October, the current system will be simplified. There will be a single red list of countries and territories where stricter rules apply, and there will also be a ‘rest of the world’ list, with simplified travel measures. The ‘rest of the world’ list will include countries currently on the UK’s amber list, such as Nigeria.”
It would be recalled that the UK Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps, had on September 17, 2021, announced a simplified system for international travel in light of the success of the country’s domestic vaccine rollout that provides greater stability for industry and passengers.
The UK proposed to replace the current traffic light system with a single red list of countries and territories to protect public health.
Testing requirements would also be reduced for eligible fully vaccinated travellers, who will no longer need to take a Pre-Departure Test when travelling to the UK from 4 a.m. of October 4.
September 26, 2021
150 Nigerian doctors set for exams to enable them practice in the UK
150 Nigerian doctors interested in practising in the United Kingdom are currently set to take clinical examinations which will decide their eligibility.
According to Punch, the coronavirus pandemic delayed the examination usually conducted by the General Medical Council, who are responsible for granting licences to medical doctors in the UK.
No fewer than 8,384 Nigerian medical doctors were practising in the UK as of June 9, 2021. But the council’s Senior Media Officer, Miranda Newey, in an e-mail sent to the publication, said the figure of Nigerian doctors in the UK would have increased if not for the pandemic.
Newey said, “There have been significant delays for Nigerian doctors taking our clinical examination before gaining registration due to the pandemic. From the information I have here, we have 150 doctors who have been delayed. I hope to get more data to share with you to enable you to do the comparison you want.”
Reacting to the news, the National President of the National Association of Resident Doctors, Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi, called on the Federal Government to quickly address the emigration of highly trained medical practitioners.
Okhuaihesuyi made the call in an interview with Punch.
He said, “It is normal for us to experience brain drain and I don’t blame the doctors migrating. Look at those of us who have chosen to stay behind. The only way the Federal Government can address this is if it attends to the demands of doctors.
“Look at resident doctors; most of our members are still being owed. If our welfare is of paramount interest, there won’t be a need to migrate.”
August 5, 2021
Nnamdi Kanu Was Not Arrested In UK – British Govt
The British High Commission says Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was not arrested in the UK.
The fugitive leader of the outlawed group was arrested on Sunday, according to the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.
Malami had said Kanu was arrested through the collaborative efforts of Nigerian intelligence and security services.
However, he neither gave details of the operation nor stated where Kanu was arrested.
Since the IPOB leader was known to have stayed in the UK after he fled Nigeria, many had concluded that he was arrested in Britain.
Kanu is a dual citizen of Britain and Nigeria.
But Dean Hurlock, a spokesperson of the British High Commission, confirmed that Kanu was not picked up in the UK.
“We can confirm that Nnamdi Kanu was not arrested in the UK for extradition purposes,” the online newspaper quoted him to have said.
After Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, gave an order for Kanu to be remanded in custody until July 26, 2021, the IPOB leader told the court that he decided to go underground because his house was raided but he was able to escape.
Kanu said if he had not escaped, he might have been killed like other members of the group.
Nyako had granted Kanu bail on health grounds in 2017.
The judge had barred the IPOB leader from granting press interview while on bail.
The judge also gave a stern warning to the defendant not to participate in any rally or be found in a crowd of more than 10 persons.
But Kanu flouted all the bail conditions and eventually fled abroad, from where he incited his followers.
June 30, 2021
UK Bans Cryptocurrency Exchange Binance
The UK’s finance watchdog has banned major cryptocurrency exchange Binance from regulated trading in Britain, as the industry faces greater global scrutiny.
Binance Markets Limited, part of Binance Group, is “not permitted to undertake any regulated activity in the UK”, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) said in a statement published over the weekend.
The ban affects options and futures contracts related to bets on price movements of cryptocurrencies.
However purchases of cryptocurrency units, such as of bitcoin and dogecoin, can continue since they are not regarded as financial products and are therefore not regulated.
Binance Group tweeted that the FCA move would have “no direct impact”.
Founded in China four years ago, Binance is one of the world’s two biggest crypto exchanges along with Coinbase in the United States.
Cryptocurrencies have long sparked concern among central banks and regulators alike, because of their lack of oversight.
The FCA has meanwhile warned consumers once more not to be lured by promises of high returns.
Bitcoin traders shrugged off the weekend developments, sending the virtual unit up 5.47 percent to $33,981 in Monday deals.
The unit has however slumped in recent weeks after China launched a crackdown on the industry.
Bitcoin had hit a record near $65,000 in April on the back of runaway demand.
Laith Khalaf, financial analyst at stockbroker AJ Bell, said that tighter regulation was a consequence of this boom.
“Cryptocurrency is a victim of its own success because regulators across the globe are increasingly turning their beady eyes on crypto assets — and companies like Binance that offer crypto services to consumers.
“This isn’t a step change in regulation which is going to knock the crypto craze on the head, but it is part of a growing trend of regulatory intervention in crypto markets.”
AFP
June 28, 2021
BREAKING: FG summons UK, US envoys over comments on Twitter ban
The Federal Government on Monday summoned the envoys of the United States, United Kingdom, and the European Union in Nigeria over comments on the suspension of Twitter in the country.
The invitation was contained in a statement issued and made available to newsmen on Monday by the spokesman of the Crisis Monitoring and Public Communications Division of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
According to the statement, the meeting is scheduled to take place by 12pm at the Minister’s Conference Room, 8th Floor.
“I am directed to inform that following the recent ban on Twitter by the Federal Government and Press Statement issued by some Heads of Diplomatic Missions Accredited to Nigeria on the subject matter, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency, Geoffrey Onyeama has invited the affected Ambassadors to a meeting today at 12 noon”.
Recall that following the suspension of the microblogging platform, the invited envoys had jointly kicked against the decision of the Federal Government stressing that banning systems of expression is not the way forward.
June 7, 2021