COVID-19: FG announces new conditions for evacuation of 4, 000 Nigerians from overseas

Per Second NewsJune 8, 2020130

The Federal Government has announced new protocols for the 4,000 yet-to-be evacuated Nigerians from overseas following the coronavirus lockdown across the world.

Under the new conditions, the returnees must undergo mandatory supervised isolation for 14 days and prior to boarding, sign an undertaking to make themselves available for a repeat Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test within 72 hours of arrival.

They also will be required to stay in their city of arrival (Abuja or Lagos) for a period of 14 days of self-isolation at their own cost (this isolation can be at home) under the supervision of health authorities.

The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 National Coordinator, Dr. Sani Aliyu, who announced the new protocols said, Nigerians returning home will be required to undergo PCR testing within 14 days of their travel date.

On May 27, the federal government had suspended evacuations of Nigerians stranded abroad over the COVID-19 pandemic pending when new protocols on testing will be in place.

According to him, the PTF is almost completing the revision of the protocols for evacuation of Nigerians abroad.

“We are working hard to ensure we get it right, and also make best use of resources available to us so that the 4,000 Nigerians who want to return home can do so.”

On feeding and accommodation of the returnees while in isolation, Aliyu said government could no longer shoulder the responsibility.

“Previous 14-day isolation at government-selected hotels will now be implemented as self-isolation or at home or any other place selected by passengers, but within city of arrival.

“In that period you will not be expected to go out or receive visitors,” the PTF National Coordinator said.

He said Nigerian Missions abroad would coordinate and provide clearance for the evacuation.

Aliyu, however, said there would be consideration for people in “challenging circumstances, short term visitors, those on medical and official trips, family holidays, pregnant women, the elderly and students.”

Also addressing the media, the Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, assured travelers of air safety and hitch-free evacuation when the industry resumes full operations.