Coronavirus: Don’t travel to China now, FG warns Nigerians

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SUNDAY ODE, Abuja

The Federal Government has advised Nigerians planning to travel to China to put such plans on hold until further notice.

Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire who gave the travel advisory on Wednesday said it was necessitated by the spread of the deadly coronavirus ravaging China where the outbreak was reported weeks ago.

Briefing State House Correspondents on the outcome of the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, Ehanire also said all persons arriving from China or any other country with major outbreak should self isolate for at least two weeks before mingling with others.

Also, airlines are advised to report any passenger falling sick in the plane before it lands to the appropriate authorities, according to the Minister.

He said: “In view of the trending stories around the Coronavirus, it has become necessary to issue a travel advisory to Nigerians. The first is that all Nigerians and persons intending to travel to China should delay their travel plans till further notice except it is extremely essential.

“All persons arriving from China or any country that has a major outbreak, is advised if they have no symptoms at all, to self isolate meaning that they stay indoors in their homes for at least two weeks and if they develop any symptoms like cough, catarrh or sneezing, breathing difficulties within these period, they should go to the nearest health facility.

“We are also advising all airlines to report any case of a passenger falling sick on board before the plane lands. That is the requirement in the agreement. Nigerian ports sell health services, and Nigeria Centre for disease control are on alert at our airports and other ports of entry, that is the advisor.

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