Sequel to the discovery of the third case of coronavirus in Nigeria, the Federal Government on Tuesday placed an immediate ban on public servants from embarking on foreign trips particularly to counties with high-risk of coronavirus.
This came shortly after the third case of coronavirus, a 30-year old woman returning from the United Kingdom, was detected by the ministry of health on Tuesday.
The move on travel restrictions was disclosed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha, during the inaugural meeting of the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on the control of Coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria.
“The designated high-risk countries are China, Iran, South Korea, Germany, Italy, USA, UK, Switzerland, Norway, Netherlands, Spain, France and Japan,” Mustapha said.
“People returning from countries with high community transmission rate especially countries that have recorded a1000 cumulative cases and above, will be actively followed up for 14 days by the health authorities.
“After due consideration and the trend of the novel coronavirus disease – COVID-19 and the subsequent declaration as pandemic by the World Health Organisation, the committee has decided that we upscale our health emergency system to the highest level and put in measures to curb further spread of the disease.
“So far we have three cases two have tested positive, one negative. We will want to ensure that this does not go beyond this minor figure for now.
“On the part of the government, we have decided that it has become necessary to advise all public officials in the ministries, department and agencies and the parastatals that government has banned all forms of travels out of the country for whatever reasons, bilateral, multilateral, conferences, seminars, workshops, negotiations, presentations and any form of other ceremonies.
“This ban will remain in place until further notice and until the situation of the coronavirus abets.
“By this notice, any prior approval to travel abroad for official assignments during this period is accordingly rescinded.
Mustapha further said that the government would ensure wide publicity for the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) guidelines for self-isolation.
“We want to put on notice that the Nigerian government supports the measures taken by the government of other countries particularly high burden countries who have urged their residents to stay home and avoid nonessential travels particularly and inclusive to Nigeria.
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“We want to urge the Nigerian people to continue to maintain a high level of sanitation and hygiene and respiratory etiquette which has been repeatedly advised. Maintaining social distance and avoiding crowded areas should begin to become our lifestyle.
“We will continue to look at emerging scenarios and on a continuous basis, you will receive further briefings. But for now, we believe strongly that this particular pandemic is the most important public health emergency of our generation and we must treat it with every seriousness that it deserves”, he said.