FG to Trace 4,370 People for COVID-19 Tests
Buhari: Only cargo vessels with 14-days record on sea can berth
*Lagos, NCDC get N15bn as 65 people test positive
The federal government is to trace 4,370 people who are suspected to have had close contacts with those who are positive in the test carried out on them over the COVID-19.
The federal government disclosed this as President Muhammadu Buhari announced approval of the sum of N10billion to be given to Lagos to fight the coronavirus spread.
Buhari also approved the sum of N5 billion to be given to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to fight the pandemic.
President said the Nigerian Air Force is provide its fleet to the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 to tackle the problem.
He added that he had ordered the immediate closure of our International Airports and Land Borders for four weeks in the first instance to enable the country put up the appropriate policies, processes, and infrastructure to cope with suspected and confirmed cases at home.
He also said he had also directed that only cargo vessels that have been at sea for more than 14 days be allowed to dock in our ports after the crew have been tested and confirmed disease-free by the Port Health Authorities. This 14-day restriction, however, does not apply to vessels carrying oil and gas products as by their nature, there is minimal human contact.
“We have also suspended the movement of commuter trains to limit the spread of the virus to other parts of the country.
“I have directed the NCDC to draft all its recent retirees back into service to beef up our manpower as we respond to the pandemic.
“Furthermore, all NCDC staff and experts who are away on training or international assignments are to return immediately. Already the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is conducting an evacuation mission to bring back some of our specialists in Central Africa, to enable them to support the national response.”
Meanwhile, 65 people have so far tested positive after testing them for COVID-19.