Coronavirus: Lawmakers Seek 14 Days Self-Confinement For Chinese Travellers

The increased fear for the deadly coronavirus which has its origin in bats became one of the key issues that were deliberated on by Nigerian lawmakers.

Naija News recalls that the effect of the deadly virus has led to the World Health Organisation (WHO)  declaring the outbreak of the virus a global emergency.

However, on Thursday a Nigerian lawmaker moved a motion on the need for self-confinement by travelers coming into Nigeria from Asia especially China over a 14 days period in order to prevent any possible outbreak of deadly coronavirus in the country.

According to Senator Chukwuka Utazi, representing Enugu North Senatorial District,  who moved the motion, there is the need to put more measures in place to prevent the deadly virus from penetrating the country.

During the debate on the motion, the lawmakers commended the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), for their gallant efforts at stemming the Coronavirus infection in Nigeria.

They urged them not to lower their guards until the fight against the viral disease is won internationally and in Nigeria.

The Senate urged the Federal Government to allocate more funds to the NCDC to acquire the latest and most recent equipment for research and diagnosis of tropical diseases that threaten human existence, noting that “prevention is always better and cheaper than cure.”

The red chamber also advised that Nigerian desirous of traveling to Asia, especially China, to heed to the Federal Government travel advisory on China and put their travel arrangements on hold till further notice especially until the outbreak of coronavirus is overcome.

It equally urged the Federal Ministries of Aviation to ensure that all persons arriving from China, especially the Chinese citizens from Nigeria that travelled home for the Chinese Lunar New Year festivities, or from any country that has a major disease outbreak, to self-isolate themselves before mixing up with the public.

The coronavirus has now affected about 7,711 people worldwide with a death toll of about 130.