The Nigeria government, under pressure to suspend flights from Turkey, India and Brazil over fears about the spread of the coronavirus, could make an announcement on the matter shortly.
Brazil and India have become the latest epicenter of the pandemic.
France is imposing a 10-day quarantine for travelers from Brazil, Chile, Argentina, South Africa and India, while the United Arab Emirates has suspended all flights from India.
The Nigeria Government on Monday said it is worried about happenings in India, Brazil and Turkey and is also considering issuing travel advisory on international flights coming from these countries in the next 48 to 72 hours.
“India is a prime destination for medical tourism for Nigeria. We know that many Nigerians like to travel to India, but now we see the situation that the country has found itself in. While we urge Nigerians to limit all travellers to only essential travel, particularly to these affected countries, said Secretary of Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19, Dr. Mukhtar Mohammed.
“It is important to note that while we are opening these international flights, there is also a risk, that is the risk of importation of additional cases into the country.
“The third wave the way we see it going on now, it’s only a matter of time. It is not a matter of if, but truly a matter of when it is going to occur. And therefore this measures that have been outlined, we must continue to ensure that we comply and make sure that we protect our public and our communities.
The World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus voiced alarm Monday at India’s record-breaking wave of Covid-19 cases and deaths, saying the organisation was rushing to help address the crisis.
“The situation in India is beyond heartbreaking,” he told reporters.
A surge in recent days has seen patients’ families taking to social media to beg for oxygen supplies and locations of available hospital beds, and has forced the capital New Delhi to extend a week-long lockdown.
Author
Leave a comment