COVID19: FG To Begin Screening Of Travellers Leaving Nigeria

The Minister of Health Osagie Ehanire has said that the next phase of Nigeria’s response to the threat of coronavirus would include screening  of passengers leaving the country through the airports and the seaports.

For now, only travellers coming into the country are screened for symptoms of the virus.

Ehanire said this while reacting to questions during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday.

According to the minister, Nigeria has put in place measures to curtail the spread of the virus but would not put unnecessary restrictions on movements and commercial activities.

“If there is need we will change the protocol, in the meantime, we have only one case and it is well defined and receiving treatment. We have not seen any other threats, so we do not see any reason to bring  additional restriction.”

Since the outbreak of the virus several countries had developed strategies to protect its citizen. Some countries had closed schools and put restrictions on public gatherings.

The Minister, however, noted that an advisory had been issued to Nigerians intending to travel out of the country to any of the high burdened countries to postpone such trips, except it is “extremely important.”

“We are going to start screening  passengers that will be leaving Nigeria and we urge all countries to  do the same so that there is less endangerment for those who are in the aircraft and reduce the risk of the country they fly into.”