The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that South Africa has been added to the list of countries on restriction zone for travellers due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in the Nelson Mandela nation. 
The Chairman of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID-19, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha made the announcement of the rainbow nation being added to the restriction list on Monday, June 28, where he also disclosed that the federal government has extended the restriction to travelers from Brazil, Turkey and India for another four weeks.
READ ALSO: Africa Should Be Producing, Not Begging For COVID-19 Vaccines – Akinwumi Adesina
The restrictions would be reviewed after four weeks. Mustapha said;
“The four major variants of concern are now classified as Alpha (UK), Beta (SA), Gamma (Brazil) and Delta (India).
“The Delta variant which has wreaked devastating havoc is not yet found in Nigeria hence the need to tighten our borders and be more vigilant. The WHO Country Representative and the DG NCDC will elaborate on this and the measures for mitigating a potential third wave.
“A few weeks ago, we announced additional measures to be met by passengers arriving from Brazil, Turkey and India. This action was due to the prevalence of variants of concern and the dangers associated with the importation of such virulent strain,” he added.
“The PSC has been reviewing these restrictions and is of the opinion that they should remain for another four weeks before it is further reviewed. South Africa has, however, been added to this category once more.”
READ ALSO: Take Precautions – Teni Shares COVID-19 Experience
The COVID-19 situation in African countries, including South Africa, Zambia, Rwanda, Namibia and Uganda will also be closely monitored.
Photo Credit: Getty
