Coronavirus: Screen all passengers, no matter their status, FG to airlines

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As part of efforts to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus disease, the Federal Government has ordered airlines and agencies at airports that are currently in operation to enforce the screening of all passengers who use facilities at the airports.

The directive was issued to airline operators and agencies at all airports across the country.

According to the Director of Public Affairs, FMA, James Odaudu, although the screening of passengers at airports was done before now, it was not really enforced. Now, he said, “We are forcing it.”

Details: The ministry added that all airline operators had been directed to deploy some additional measures in order to protect passengers and the general public against the further spread of Coronavirus.

[READ MORE: Nigeria closer to total lockdown, as FG orders sit at home to its workers)

It said, “All persons, without exception, entering any airport terminal (domestic and international) must undergo temperature check and hand cleaning with sanitisers.

“All passengers, no matter their status, must undergo temperature check and hand sanitisation before being allowed to board any aircraft. All aeroplanes must be disinfected before boarding by passengers.”

Punch reports that the Federal Government made known that the directive must be strictly adhered to as it would not take any disregard lightly. The directives have reportedly been conveyed to all airline operators by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.

While speaking about the recent announcement of restriction of international flights into Nigeria as announced by NCAA, the ministry explained that flights considered essential for which permissions for landing may be sought and granted include aircraft in a state of emergency.

It said such aircraft would have to do with flights and operations related to humanitarian services, medical and relief services.

As Nairametrics reported, due to the pandemic, Nigeria is restricting entry into the country for travellers from countries such as China, Italy, Iran, South Korea, Spain, Japan, France, Germany, the United States, Norway, UK, Netherlands and Switzerland.