The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has called on Nigerians and others travelling through the country to comply with measures issued by c
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has called on Nigerians and others travelling through the country to comply with measures issued by concerned bodies to ensure that the new virus, Corona virus is prevented from spreading into Nigeria.
Recently, a deadly virus known as Corona virus broke out in China and has since killed 17 people, with over 300 also reported to have been infected. The virus is highly communicable and has already spread to boarder countries like Japan, Thailand and South Korea.
According to FAAN General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, “In an effort to protect passengers from the epidemic ravaging some countries and to prevent the spread of such communicable diseases into Nigeria, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria hereby advises passengers and other airport users to comply with all quarantine procedures at the nation’s airports.”
The agency said that all the equipment and personnel used in combating the deadly ebola virus in 2014 are still very much in place at the airports. It said it has always had thermal scanners in her airports that monitor temperature of passengers and capture their pictures, explaining that when passengers walk past the scanner, it registers their temperature and if too high, such passengers are pulled aside for observation.
FAAN said it is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health, which has confirmed the adequacy of the facilities at the nation’s international airports to prevent the importation of the virus through the facilities into Nigeria. Passengers are therefore advised to submit themselves for routine quarantine checks whenever they are asked to.
Corona viruses, which were previously unknown, are said to be common among animals, and are believed to have originated from a Chinese market where wildlife is traded illegally. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said it is considering declaring an international public health emergency over the outbreak. The NCDC said the symptoms of the disease include cough and breathing difficulties, and that no specific treatment for it yet, although “many of the symptoms can be treated.”
It said it is in contact with the WHO and is currently coordinating a multi-sectoral technical group that is assessing and managing the risk of importation to Nigeria.
“Nigerians are advised to remain calm. Travelers from Nigeria to Wuhan, China, are advised to avoid contact with sick people, animals (alive or dead), and animal markets,” the NCDC advisory said.
“Travelers from Wuhan to Nigeria, may be asked questions upon arrival by the Port Health Services unit at points of entry about symptoms of illness and travel history, and are advised to report immediately to NCDC if they feel ill after a trip to Wuhan.”
To reduce the risk of spread of corona virus, NDCD advised members of the public to adhere to the following measures:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap under running water.
- Cover your mouth and nose properly with handkerchief or tissue paper when sneezing and/or coughing. You may also cough into your elbow if a handkerchief is not available.
- Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.
- Avoid self-medication, report to the nearest health facility when you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms.
- Healthcare workers are always advised to observe standard infection prevention and control measures when attending to patients and take a travel history.
