Nigeria: Over 20,000 COVID-19 cases confirmed as of June 25 /update 29

Event

Nigerian health authorities announced on Thursday, June 25, that 20,244 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases have been confirmed in the country, including 518 associated deaths. Lagos remains the most affected city and has reported 8576 COVID-19 cases, with 126 associated deaths.

Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika stated on June 18, that the resumption of domestic flights which was scheduled to occur on Sunday, June 21, will be postponed until further notice. Sirika said that the postponement would allow the aviation sector time to conform to new public health and safety standards.

Other COVID-19 restrictions remain in force in Nigeria. The use of face masks in public places and social distancing rules remain mandatory, while businesses such as bars, gyms, clubs, and spas are still closed. A nationwide curfew is in place between 22:00 and 04:00 (local time) and a ban on gatherings of more than 20 people remains active. The current restrictions are set to be reviewed again by Monday, June 29.

Further spread of the virus is expected in the near term.  

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.