The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, said the Federal Government has set up stringent criteria and measures to limit the importation of COVID – 19 into the country.
He said 18 travelers out of over 78,000 arrivals were found to have tested positive at the second testing of COVID – 19 in Nigeria.
“In this connection, the Ministry of Health will next week launch an advocacy campaign in which a representative of the Minister of Health will visit hotspot states that require encouragement to discuss their specific needs and challenges and find ways of stepping up sample collection for testing”, he stressed.
He said, “The evolving global situation of covid19 gives us much reason for concern. Over 2.8 million cases were reported last one week, with half of the cases in Europe.
“The PTF has set up stringent criteria and measures so far, to limit COVID-19 importation: nevertheless, 18 travellers out of over 78,000 arrivals, were found to be COVID-19 positive at the second testing in Nigeria.
“This is a relatively small number, but it could increase with rising volume of flights. Moreover, NCDC estimated traveler compliance with second testing after arrival to be about 60 per cent, which is a challenge we are responding to.”
