Nigeria: Lockdown in Lagos, Abuja, and Ogun state extended for one week April 27 /update 18

Event

President Muhammadu Buhari announced on Monday, April 27, a one-week extension to the lockdowns in Lagos, Abuja, and Ogun state to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). In addition, President Buhari added that a phased and gradual easing of lockdown measures will be approved. Starting from Monday, May 4, an overnight curfew from 22:00 to 06:00 (local time) will take effect nationwide, and all movements are prohibited during this period except for essential services. Selected businesses and offices are allowed to open from 09:00 to 18:00. All inter-state passenger travel will be banned until further notice. The wearing of face masks in public is mandatory, while restrictions on social and religious gatherings remain in place.

The government has also ordered a two-week total lockdown in Kano state with immediate effect after a series of unexplained deaths were reported, and the revised measures will not apply. A two-week lockdown in Anambra state announced on Saturday, April 11, has been eased as of Saturday, April 26. All food markets, restaurants, and bars are allowed to reopen, but all state boundaries will remain closed.

As of April 27, the country's airports remain closed, although emergency and essential flights, such as cargo transportation, are allowed to operate.

To date, authorities have confirmed 1337 COVID-19 cases nationwide, with 40 associated deaths. Further international spread of the virus is expected.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the general risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue - throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.