Coronavirus: US Begs Doctors, Nurses To Come For Visas

The U.S. Department of State has announced the decision to hire international medical staff to handle the increasing rate of coronavirus cases in the country.

“We encourage medical professionals seeking work in the U.S. on a work or exchange visitor visa (H or J), particularly those working on #COVID19 issues, to contact the nearest U.S. Embassy/ Consulate for a visa appointment,” said a statement by the Bureau of Consular Affairs.

The U.S. is now the coronavirus infection capital of the world, after surpassing China and Italy last night, with 85,991 confirmed cases, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University.

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Particularly those working to treat or mitigate the effects of COVID-19 were encouraged to reach out to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to request a visa appointment, the statement added.

The State Department also urged foreign medical professionals already in the U.S. to take necessary steps to extend their stay.

Earlier today, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Thursday confirmed 14 new cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19), bringing the total number to 65.

It said 12 of the new cases are in Lagos; one each in the FCT and Bauchi State.

NCDC said: “Fourteen new cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Nigeria: one in FCT, one in Bauchi State and 12 in Lagos.

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“Of the 14, six were detected on a vessel, three are returning travellers into Nigeria and one is a close contact of a confirmed case.

“As at 7:35 pm, 26th March, there are 65 confirmed cases, three discharged and one death.”

Currently, Lagos has 44 cases; FCT, 11; Ogun, two in Bauchi; and one case each in Ekiti, Oyo, Edo, Osun and Rivers states.

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