Nigeria: Authorities ease COVID-19 restrictions on July 1 /update 30

Event

On Wednesday, July 1, authorities in Nigeria eased coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions nationwide. Travel between Nigeria's states is now permitted, and airports have reopened for domestic flights. While bus transportation has resumed, railways will remain closed until health guidelines are in place. Schools will also reopen for students in their final year in order for them to prepare for exams.

Despite the easing of measures, President Muhammadu Bihari has extended the phased lockdown, with the 22:00 to 04:00 (local time) curfew remaining in place. Restrictions on gatherings of more than 20 people and sporting events are still in force. The mandatory wearing of facemasks still applies.

As of July 1, health authorities have confirmed 25,694 COVID-19 cases and 590 associated deaths in Nigeria. 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.