By Sam Kayode
A resident and traveling advisory released by the chair, Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19, Mr. Boss Mustapha, has said that the wearing of a face mask in Nigeria is entirely at the discretion of both residents and travelers.
Even though many residents in Nigeria have stopped wearing the mask long ago because of their belief that the challenge had gone down it was not done with the guidance of the presidential committee on COVID-19 which was the main guide on how to stay alive after the scourge started consuming Nigerians.
Some Nigerians up till now believe that COVID-19 is a fairy tale because of the dangerous politics that was associated with scourge in the international circles unlike others before now.
Boss Mustapha in a release also noted that “President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the immediate relaxation of COVID 19 Safety Measures and Travel Advisory following the recommendations of the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 (PSC) based on Clinical and Laboratory evidences of sustained reduction in COVID-19 infection/transmission across the country.
“The relaxed measures include the following: Gathering limitations in Public Places: All restrictions with regard to gathering in public places have been lifted. Owners of facilities are strongly encouraged to maintain good environmental/respiratory hygiene, and
ventilation.
Use of Face Mask: “The use of facemasks is at individual’s discretion for outdoor and indoor events. However, the elderly, immuno-compromised and those with co-morbidities are advised to use face masks, wash hands with clean water and soap, use hand sanitizers, and avoid large gatherings.”
COVID-19 Travel testing: “All pre-departure and post arrival PCR test
requirements for all persons who are not fully vaccinated have been suspended. With the suspension of both the pre boarding and post-arrival PCR
tests, passengers will no longer be required to upload evidence of vaccination on the Nigeria International Travel Portal (NITP).
“All unvaccinated and partially vaccinated passengers are strongly encouraged to get fully vaccinated.
A simplified non COVID-19 specific form
shall be completed by all passengers arriving In Nigeria on the Nigeria International Travel Portal (NITP); while provision will be made on arrival for those who were unable to complete this form before departure.
“Finally, the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 (PSC) passionately appeals to Nigerians to ensure that they take their COVID-19 vaccinations as well as booster doses.”
Said Boss Mustapha.
