With the much existence of the variant of the Covid-19 virus (Omicron) Countries has been forced to shut their borders to travellers again despite reopening.
The depth to which the Omicron virus is dangerous is yet to be unravelled but countries around the World fear it might spike up death like the Covid-19 itself did.
However, Scientists in South Africa say omicron is at least three times more likely to cause reinfection than previous coronavirus variants such as beta and delta, according to a preliminary study published Thursday.
Over 27 countries have recorded the case of the Omicron virus. As of Thursday, at least nine cases of the Omicron variant have been identified in five states across the U.S. well as Nigeria has also confirmed three cases.
Countries with their borders still open have not done so without rigid guidelines that will ensure that Nation is safe.
Nigeria has now revised the country’s international travel protocol as an effort to guide against the spread of the Omicron virus.
Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19 and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, in a statement noted that the country’s “revised protocol is aimed at further reducing the risk of importation and exportation of COVID-19, especially the variants of concern.”
The revised protocols entail that, passengers arriving in Nigeria are required to provide the results of a COVID-19 PCR test done within 48 hours before departure, and post-arrival Day 2 COVID-19 PCR test.
Unvaccinated and partially vaccinated individuals are also expected to go into self-isolation for seven days and take a Day 7 post-arrival exit PCR test.
For out-bound passengers, they are required to provide either valid evidence of full vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative PCR test result taken within 48 hours from the time of boarding.
The PSC has also assured Nigerians that it “shall continue to monitor global and specific country situations with a view to taking necessary measures to safeguard the health of Nigerians.