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Ahead of the resumption of international flights on August 29, the Federal Government has warned international carriers against flying travellers showing COVID-19 symptoms into the country, slamming a $3,500 penalty on defaulters.
The National Coordinator of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19, Dr Sani Aliyu, disclosed this during a briefing in Abuja on Monday.
“We will continue with the policy of ensuring that airlines only board passengers without symptoms of COVIS-19 and with negative PCR results. Airlines will be fined $3,500 if they fail to comply with pre-boarding COVID-19 requirements.”
Aliyu warned that all intending travellers into Nigeria must have a coronavirus negative test result to be eligible to fly as stipulated in the protocol for travellers and carriers.
“All travellers coming into the country will continue to observe the old quarantine protocol that we currently have. We will be continuing with the process of requesting for a negative PCR result for all passengers intending to travel to Nigeria. This test must be a PCR test,” the coordinator added.
Presidency issues revised COVID-19 protocol for passengers arriving in Nigeria
The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 has issued a revised quarantine protocol for persons arriving Nigeria from abroad, including returnees and stranded Nigerians.
In the new protocol, passengers arriving or returning to Nigeria must have tested negative for COVID-19-pre-boarding PCR test in country of departure. The PCR test, according to the new guideline, must be within two weeks before departure and preferably no less than five days pre-boarding.
It said tests done more than two weeks before departure are not valid and persons will not be allowed to board, adding that the five days minimum is advisory and will not preclude boarding.
Passengers are required to fill in the Health Declaration/ Self-Reporting Form and the Sample Collection Time Allocation Form when on board the flight.
it added that passengers should ensure that the information/contact details provided on the form are correct and are verifiable and they can be reached on the phone number and at the address provided.
The new revised protocols further stated that upon arrival in Nigeria, passengers shall queue in an orderly manner and disembarkation will be done systematically and in batches to avoid overcrowding, before proceeding for health screening at the Point of Entry.
it said the Health Declaration Form will be assessed and collected along with the Sample Collection Form.
According to the protocol, passengers are requested to:
(i) Keep their face masks on
(ii) Perform hand hygiene
(iii) Ensure respiratory / cough etiquette; cough into tissue, sleeve/ bent elbow and discard used tissue safely into a bin.
(iv) Always observe and maintain physical distancing measures.
It said persons who have arrived in Nigeria are advised to self-isolate for 14 days and to remain in the City/ State where the Point of Entry is located (i.e. Lagos or Abuja) throughout the duration of self-quarantine.
“If not resident in Lagos or Abuja, passengers shall make arrangements for accommodation at their own cost (please note that the Federal Government will not be responsible for providing accommodation nor transportation to the place of abode).
“Passengers will be cleared through the Nigeria Immigration System’s Migrants Identification Data Analysis System (MIDAS) and their passports retained until after successful completion of the 14 days self-quarantine.
“ They will be given an appointment time and date to present at the Sample Collection Centre located in Lagos or Abuja for a repeat COVID- 19 PCR test within 72 hours of arrival.
“ Passengers must provide their full and correct address and phone number before exiting the airport. They must comply with self-isolation/quarantine guidelines and ensure that they can be reached/can be located during the period.
“Persons who are unable to remain in Lagos or Abuja throughout the period of self-quarantine may return to their States of residence ONLY after: (a) They have had their samples collected and are NEGATIVE for COVID-19.
(b) Provided Public Health Officials with their full and correct address and phone number where they can be reached.
“ Persons who have completed the 14 days of self-isolation/quarantine will undergo an exit interview. Their details will be forwarded to the Nigeria Immigration Service for release of their passports. Alternative arrangements can be made to collect passports via Special delivery e.g. DHL,” it said.