Following the discovery of a new variant of COVID-19 in some nations, the Nigerian authorities have introduced new journey guidelines for passengers coming in from South Africa and the UK.
The Nationwide Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19, Sani Aliyu, announced the rules during a media briefing on Thursday.
He stated “effective from Monday, December 28th, all passengers coming into the nation from the UK and South Africa on direct flights, must use the Nigerian Worldwide Travel Portal to register, fill within the health questionnaire and must upload a negative COVID-19 PCR result with a validity of not more than 5 days and should pay for a COVID PCR test day seven of arrival in the nation without which they will not be allowed to board the flights”.
He noted that a special register can be open at the airports for passengers from these two nations specifically to track and ensure they present for the COVID test on day seven.
The UK and South Africa are nations the place the new variant of the virus is presently causing panic and concern.
Following warnings from the UK government that the new variant of the virus seemed to be spreading a lot faster than earlier varieties, more than 40 nations have banned travel arrivals from the UK.
India, Pakistan, Russia, Jordan, and Hong Kong joined European nations in suspending travel from Britain.
Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman also closed their borders fully.
France also shut its border with the UK for 48 hours, which means no lorries or ferries can depart from the port of Dover.
Scientists on the Africa Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), within the late hours of Monday, stated the new variant has already been found in Nigeria.
New guidelines
Mr. Aliyu stated the nation was involved in regards to the emergence of the new variant coronavirus within the UK and additional mutate that was described as coming from South Africa.
He is famous that Nigeria’s system for travels when it comes to ensuring the safety of citizens and preventing the importation of cases is among the most strict.
“If you don’t show a travel permit, the airlines are being directed not to board.
“So if you’re coming into Nigeria from the UK and South Africa, it’s in your best interest to familiarise your self with the Nigerian international Travel Portal,” Mr. Aliyu stated.
He stated the second enforcement was that of the seven-day-self-isolation upon arrival within the nation.
“We had lots of debates as to if we should institute mandatory quarantine when the individuals arrive.
“We now have decided that when you arrive, we’ll open a special register for all passengers arriving from these two nations. We will have enhanced surveillance where these passengers will be contacted after they’ve arrived home, we will be checking on them to see if they’re having any symptoms,” he stated.
