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THE Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, says that the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, is a new strain of the virus that has not been previously identified in humans. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes the coronavirus disease, COVID-19.
In its updated advisory on COVID-19, which will be updated frequently to reflect new information and research emerging on the disease and its impact on populations, the NCDC through the National Emergency Operations Centre, EOC, has continued to lead the national public health response in Nigeria with oversight of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 (PTF-COVID-19).
It noted that the NCDC is also working closely with all states of the Federation to support their response activities to the pandemic. Several measures have been instituted by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the PTF-COVID-19 together with the Federal
Ministry of Health to curtail the spread of the disease and protect the health of Nigerians. This includes an initial lockdown of non-essential activities; closure of schools; a ban on international flights etc. Nigeria is one of many countries that have commenced the gradual easing of lockdown measures initially instituted at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is to ensure a balance between preserving lives and livelihoods while addressing the socio-economic disruptions caused by the outbreak.
On the 3rd of September 2020, the PTF-COVID-19 announced the commencement of
Phase 3 of the Eased Lockdown effective from the 4th of September 2020 with some
significant changes to address economic, sociopolitical and health concerns. The third
phase of the lockdown is characterised by the following:
- Adjusting the current nationwide curfew to now start from 12am to 4am
- Restrictions on mass gatherings outside the workplace remain with allowance for
gatherings of no more than 50 persons in enclosed spaces (weddings, funerals,
etc), provided physical distancing measures and other non-pharmaceutical
interventions (NPIs) are enforced
- Re-opening of the international air space from the 5th of September within
established parameters
- Risk assessment of the level of preparedness of schools with States to commence
plans for phased re-opening of educational institutions
- Limit government meetings to virtual as much as possible while maintaining
restrictions on official trips, oversight visits and board meetings until further
notice
- Relaxation on outdoor communal sports and re-opening of recreational parks,
event centres and restaurants for outdoor service only. Gyms and cinemas can
open to the public at half-capacity, but bars and night clubs shall remain closed
until further notice
- Mandatory use of facemasks in public spaces. Access to government and
commercial premises to be denied for persons not wearing facemasks- ‘No mask,
no entry. No mask, no service’
- Elections to proceed in line with strict guidance on conducting safe elections
during the COVID-19 pandemic. ‘No Mask, No Voting’ policy to be enforced.
The NCDC continues to expand laboratories for the testing of COVID-19 and has
commenced the use of GeneXpert across the country to scale-up testing. The current list
of laboratories for the testing of COVID-19 in Nigeria can be here. Through the
#TakeResponsibility campaign by the NCDC, Nigerians and residents in the country are
urged to take greater individual and collective responsibility in preventing and controlling
the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria. All resources, guidelines and real-time updates on
COVID-19 in Nigeria can be found on https://covid19.ncdc.gov.ng/.
TRAVEL ADVICE
While the ban on domestic and international flights have been lifted, operations have
commenced with safety advisories in place. The NCDC continues to work with the Port
Health Services, Nigeria Customs Service and Nigeria Immigration Service to ensure
enhanced surveillance at all points of entry.
Travellers To Nigeria:
The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 has released a provisional quarantine
protocol for all return travelers to Nigeria, effective from the 5th of September, as detailed below;
- Passengers must test negative by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from country
of exit 96 hours before departure and preferably within 72 hours pre-boarding.
Tests done more than 96 hours before departure are not valid
- Prior to boarding, passengers are requested to upload their COVID-19 PCR
NEGATIVE results on to the national payment portal and have an electronic or
hard copy for presentation at the airport
- All intending passengers are required to register via – http://nitp.ncdc.gov.ngand
pay for a repeat (second) PCR test to be done upon arrival in Nigeria
- Passengers must fill in an online Health Declaration/Self-Reporting Form located
on the Nigeria International Travel Portal which must be submitted online or
printed for presentation on arrival. Information provided must be verifiable
- At the time of boarding, all travelers will undergo temperature screening and
questioned for COVID-19 symptoms. Passengers with COVID-19 related signs and
symptoms will not be allowed to board the flight
On Arrival In Nigeria
- Return passengers must show evidence of payment/appointment for a repeat PCR
test, in-country
- Passengers will be cleared through the Nigeria Immigration System’s Migrants
Identification Data Analysis System, MIDAS. Passenger’s biodata page and picture
will be forwarded to all COVID-19 PCR Sample Collection Centers to enable proper
identification before sample collection
- Return passengers must proceed on a 7-day self-isolation as per protocol and
present at the designated sample collection sites on the 7th day of arrival.
- Positive cases will be managed based on National Guidelines for COVID-19
treatment.
- Passengers who test negative after 7 days will end self- isolation on the 8th day
Advice For Health Workers
All health workers are strongly advised to maintain a high index of suspicion for COVID-
19 when attending to patients and take detailed information. The NCDC has published
several guidelines including infection prevention control and case management of COVID-
- These can be accessed via https://covid19.ncdc.gov.ng/guideline/
Advice For Businesses
The NCDC has published a guideline for employers and businesses in Nigeria. Businesses
are advised to amplify the #TakeResponsibility campaign and ensure compliance to NPIs
within the business environment.
How To Protect Yourself
If you are showing known COVID-19 symptoms such as such as cough, fever, and
Difficulty in breathing etc., you must immediately call your state helpline. They have
the most up to date and state-specific information on COVID-I9, including sample
collection sites.
Vulnerable groups i.e. people over the age of 60 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. This is critical as if infected with the virus, vulnerable
persons may have severe complications that could be fatal. See NCDC advisory for
vulnerable groups here.
To reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19, members of the public are advised to adhere
to the following measures:
- Wear a face mask/covering when out in public
- Wash your hands frequently with soap under running water for at least 20 seconds
or use an alcohol-based sanitiser if water is not available
- Maintain a physical distance of at least 2 metres from others in public spaces
- Cover your mouth and nose properly with a tissue paper when sneezing and/or
coughing. Dispose of the tissue properly immediately after use. You may also
cough into your elbow if a tissue is not available
- Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness
- Stay home if you feel unwell until you recover. Do not mingle with others or
congregate
- Avoid large gatherings of more than 50 persons and gatherings where physical
distancing measures are not put in place
– Sept. 8, 2020 @12:15 GMT |
Tags: NCDC issues new Public Health Advisory on COVID-19
