To introduce Rapid Test Kits in 2021 FCT running out of bed spaces
By Omeiza Ajayi
The Federal Government has rolled out new containment measures against the importation of COVID-19 particularly from the United Kingdom and South Africa, saying returnees from both countries are required to present two documents before boarding.
National Coordinator of the Presidential Taskforce PTF on COVID-19, Dr Sani Aliyu, disclosed this during Thursday’s briefing of the Taskforce.
He said; “In particular, international travellers must register with the Nigeria international travel portal.
“We are concerned a out the emergence of the new variant of COVID-19 in the UK and an additional mutant in South Africa. Our protocol to ensure the safety of our citizens and prevent the importation of cases into the country is one of the most strict.
Adelani Adepegba, Abuja
The Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, has said that the mutant strain of COVID-19 in the United Kingdom has not been found in the country.
He said the NCDC did some sequencing in the past but did not find the variant which was said to be deadlier than the original strain of the virus.
Speaking during the media briefing by the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19 in Abuja on Thursday, Ihekweazu said viruses by their nature mutate, noting that the important thing was for people to stay calm and safe.
He said, “Over the last few days, we have monitored reports of the virus mutating in the UK, South Africa and some other countries but it is important to establish some facts about what we know, what we do not know and what we are willing to learn over the next few years.