FG bans foreign travel by public servants over Coronavirus

BY OUR EDITOR

The Presidential Task Force on Coronavirus rose from its inaugural meeting Tuesday, committing the Federal Government to a firm decision to ban all foreign travel by public servants.

Led by Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, as chairman, the 12-member Task Force which has the mandate to strengthen national response strategy through deployment of resources, research, public awareness and collaboration said it also strongly discouraged travel by Nigerians to affected countries, except for essential trips.

“We encourage everyone returning to Nigeria from any country to self-isolate for 14-days.

“All those returning from countries where there is high (over 1000 cases cumulatively) community transmission, will be actively followed up for 14 days by NCDC and Port Health Services,” it declared.

Critically, the Task Force urged Nigerians to maintain personal and respiratory hygiene, adding that decisions will be reviewed appropriately as the situation evolves.

READ: Buhari sets up 12-member Presidential Task Force to fight Coronavirus

The Task Force expected to deliver within a maximum period of six months, comprises the following: the SGF as chairman; Dr Sani Aliyu, National Coordinator; Minister of Health, Minister of Interior, Minister of Aviation, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Services; Minister of Education; Minister of Information and Culture and Minister of Environment.

Also on the list are the Director-General, State Services; Director-General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and World Health Organisation Country Representative.