THE Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has urged Nigerians against travelling into the country for this year festivities.
The Centre disclosed this in its end-of-year travel advisory on COVID-19, stating that all non-essential domestic and international travel, especially intending travellers from countries recording a high number of COVID-19 cases should be prevented.
NCDC on its website issued this public health advisory for all members of the public to increase awareness about the continued risks relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, offering advice on the measures that need to be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the upcoming Christmas and New Year period.
According to NCDC, “Across the world, Christmas is a time for celebration and festive cheer, as well as an increase in religious and social gatherings. During the Christmas and New Year celebrations, we recognise that people want to travel and be with family and friends. However, this has been a difficult year and the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our usual way of living and we all have to make adjustments in our lives to the new reality we are faced with. We must all continue to take the necessary measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.
“Since the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Nigeria, just over 67,000 COVID-19 cases have been reported with just over 1,000 deaths. Most of the confirmed cases and deaths have been in urban/semi-urban cities and town and the risk of spread remains. The COVID-19 virus does not spread on its own; it spreads when people move around. This means that by traveling across countries and cities, there is a higher risk of transmission, especially to rural areas where the existing health infrastructure is already weak.”
The Centre therefore advised Nigerians to be vigilant, saying this is not the time to let our guard time. It is therefore advisable to:
1. Limit all non-essential domestic and international travel. This is especially important for intending travellers from countries recording a high number of COVID-19 cases. As an alternative to travel, the following should be considered:
• Limit festivities to members of your immediate household. While remaining physically distanced, remain socially connected with friends and loved ones using mobile or video conferencing technology.
• Hold virtual services and prayer sessions to limit mass congregation.
• Limit person-to-person contact and physical movement using electronic money transfers systems.
2. Always wear a face mask that covers your nose and mouth when in public settings, such as religious centres and market places
3. Maintain physical distance of at least 2 metres from others in public settings
4. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer when hands are not visibly dirty and running water is not readily available
5. Avoid direct contact with people such as hugging and handshaking
6. Cover your mouth and nose properly with a tissue paper, or your elbow when sneezing and/or coughing. Dispose of the tissue properly immediately after use and wash your hands.
7. Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of a respiratory illness
8. Stay at home if you feel unwell and call your state helpline. Do not mingle with others if you have symptoms such as fever, cough or sudden loss of sense of taste or smell
9. Public settings including religious settings, businesses and markets should ensure adherence to public health and safety measures
10. Vulnerable groups i.e. people 60 and above and/or people with pre-existing medical conditions should avoid non-essential outings and visitors. Where possible, have a friend or family member bring you supplies.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases continues to rise across several countries globally. If you must travel to Nigeria during this period, please ensure strict adherence to the following travel protocols issued by the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19:
1. Passengers MUST test negative by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from their country of exit 120 hours before departure and preferably within 72 hours pre-boarding.
2. All intending passengers are required to register on the Nigeria International Travel Portal (NITP) via – http://nitp.ncdc.gov.ng, upload their COVID-19 PCR NEGATIVE result and pay for a second PCR test to be done upon arrival in Nigeria. Ensure that the name registered on the NITP matches all travel documents. Present a hard copy of the negative COVID-19 test result, pre-boarding and at the point of entry in Nigeria.
3. Passengers must remain in self-isolation for seven days on return to Nigeria, even if you test negative on entry. A repeat PCR test must be carried out on the 7th day after arrival, to ensure passengers have remained negative, given the risk of infection while traveling.
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