The Federal government has warned Nigerians against travelling to China, following the recent outbreak of deadly Coronavirus in the Asian country. 

Travellers arriving the country from China or any other country where the epidemic has been detected, were also advised to quarantine themselves staying indoors for at least two weeks.

Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire who made the call after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting held at the Presidential Villa, also directed all airlines to report any case of a passenger falling sick on-board before the plane lands. 

He said; 

“In view of the trending stories around the Coronavirus, it has become very necessary to issue a travel advisory to Nigerians. The first is that all Nigerians and all from Nigeria, intending to travel to China should delay all their travel plans until further notice, except it is extremely essential for them to do that trip.

“All persons arriving from China or any country that has a major outbreak is advised, if they have no symptoms at all, to self-isolate, meaning that they stay indoors in their homes for at least two weeks and if they develop any symptoms, like cough, catarrh, sneezing, breathing difficulties within this period, to report to the nearest health facility.

“We are also advising all airlines to report any case of a passenger falling sick on-board before the plane lands. That is a requirement in the agreement. Nigerian Port Health Services, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control are on alert at our airports and other points of entry. That is the advisory.”