… Passports seized, defaulters face 6 months travel ban
By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
As Nigeria records 1,204 infections, the first ever daily astronomical increase recorded, the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 Chairman Boss Mustapha has announced that government has commenced sanctioning of passengers who defaulted the mandatory day- 7 post arrival tests.
Mustapha who gave this information today in Abuja at the first National press briefing on COVID-19 in the new year said that defaulters of will also face a six months travel ban effective from 1st January 2021 while their passports are seized and passport numbers published.
He said, “The PTF has generated 20,000 inbound passengers that have also defaulted, and they stand the risk of being punished on a weekly basis till the list is exhausted.
The PTF Chairman said, “Nigerians should be aware that every defaulter is a threat to public health, which is unacceptable to us and represent a draw back to the National Response.”
Mustapha noted that the astronomical spike of infections is the effect of activities carried out during the Christmas festivities, adding that this makes Nigeria joining South Africa in reporting the highest daily infection cases.
He urged people to advise their relations, friends, associates to comply with the laid down rules of protocols.
Meanwhile the Minister of State for Health, Dr Olorunnibe Mamora has called on Nigerians to comply with non-pharmaceutical protocols.
Mamora said, “it is imperative during this second wave to strictly adhere to the non-pharmaceutical interventions of wearing face mask, physical distancing and Social distancing, hand washing with soap and water and use of hand sanitizers.”
He disclosed that there are joint efforts by state governments, the National Orientation Agency, NOA, and other relevant MDAs to sensitize the public von the need to comply with the existing COVID19 protocols. This is a step in the right direction considering the ferocity of this second wave, he noted.
According to the PTF as at date, the statistics for Nigeria shows cumulative cases: 91, 351,Cumulative Tests: 958,911 and 1,318 deaths.
