The Federal Government has said that it is still monitoring the spread of Covid-19 around the world and may impose travel restrictions if the need arises.
The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Adeleke Mamora, disclosed this at a media briefing in Abuja, Monday.
He, however, noted that each country of the world has its own peculiarity, hence, Nigeria’s position as at now has not reached the stage of imposing compulsory isolation for passengers arriving to the country when they have not shown any symptom.
The position of Nigeria now, according to the Minister, is to do a supervised self-isolation.
“We are monitoring situations. It is dynamic, we have not said that we will not do it, we will do it if it becomes necessary, that is an assurance.
“The situation is dynamic. The fact that we have not put in place travel restrictions at this point in time does not mean that if the realities on ground dictates that even before the end of the day, that will be announced.
“That announcement will be done because we are monitoring and interacting with various bodies in the world,” the Dr. Mamora, said.
The Minister, however, warned against complacency, as, according to him, Corona virus has no respect for any person, no matter how highly placed.
“I warned at the beginning, the danger of complacency, Coronavirus has shown itself as a non-respecter of anyone.
“We saw Health Ministers, Vice President, wife of a Prime Minister affected.
“We are monitoring the situation and will take decisions that are in the best interest of our people,” he said.
He noted that as at March 15, 2020, Nigeria has recorded two confirmed cases of COVID19.
One case, he said, is now negative and has been discharged from the hospital.
He reiterated that even though the federal government has not advised against the closures or cancellations of large events, “however, organisers must ensure that appropriate measures are in place such as temperature scanners, hand washing facilities etc.”
