Daily COVID Tracker: NCDC logs zero infections — first time since the index case in 2020

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says no COVID cases were recorded on Sunday. Here are five updates about the pandemic this Monday. 

US donates 2.5 million COVID vaccine doses to Taiwan

As part of its effort to support other nations defeat COVID-19, the United States has donated 2.5 million Moderna COVID vaccine doses to Taiwan.

The US had promised to donate 750,000 doses to Taiwan but increased that number following President Joe Biden’s administration pledge to send 80 million shots around the world.

Speaking when she received the vaccine, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen expressed the country’s gratitude, adding that “a friend in need is a friend indeed”.

Nigeria records zero COVID-19 cases for the first time

The NCDC on Sunday reported zero new COVID-19 cases for the first time.

Since the country recorded its index case of coronavirus on February 27, 2020, a total of  167,206 infections have now been confirmed across 36 states and the federal capital territory (FCT).

For the 16th consecutive day, no new death from COVID-19 complications was recorded in the country.

The COVID-19 fatality toll is 2,117 at present.

The NCDC data indicates that seven patients were discharged on Sunday after recovering from the infectious disease.

With the new figure, the total number of COVID-19 recoveries in Nigeria stands at 163,557.

Sunday’s update does not include data from Lagos state, the agency noted.

Vietnam receives 500,000 Sinopharm COVID vaccine doses from China

Vietnam says it has received 500,000 Sinopharm vaccine doses donated by China.

The shipment comes days after the south-east Asian country approved the China Sinopharm vaccine for emergency use against COVID-19.

According to the Vietnam health ministry, the vaccine will be used for the Chinese in Vietnam, Vietnamese who have the plan to work or study in China and people who live near the borders with China.

New Zealand approves Pfizer vaccine for adolescents

The New Zealand Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Authority (Medsafe) has approved the use of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID vaccine for 12 to 15-year-olds.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday

“After careful consideration of the most up-to-date scientific and medical data available, Medsafe has announced provisional approval for our young people to be given the Pfizer vaccine,” the statement said.

New Zealand now joins the lists of countries that have approved the vaccine for adolescents.

Brazil passes 500,000 COVID deaths

Brazil death toll from COVID-19 has surpassed 500,000.

According to data from John Hopkins University, Brazil has confirmed 17,927,925 cases while 501,825 have succumbed to the infection.

Residents have taken to the streets in some parts of the country to protest against President Jair Bolsonaro’s handling of the pandemic.

COVID-19 IN NIGERIA