Two years after the outbreak of the deadly COVID-19 virus, the world is now well set on a recovery path as it seems the worst is over. To this end, several countries of the world have been relaxing the measures set in place to curb the spread of COVID-19 and Nigeria has also joined the moving train as the federal government has declared a re-examination of travel protocols.
This review of the protocols is in response to the significant reduction in the global cases of the coronavirus pandemic.
The Federal Government’s new directive has been relayed through a memo addressed to all airline operators, among other stakeholders in the aviation industry by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). It stated that the prevalence of the pandemic in the country and most parts of the world has remained at a low level for a sustained period.
In the memo dated 12 December which was signed by NCAA’s director-general Musa Nuhu and referenced as: NCAA/DG/AIR/11/16/358, NCAA disclosed that the new review was sanctioned by the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 (PSC), which is headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha.
The memo revealed that the new protocol has relaxed the rule on the use of facemasks inside airport terminal buildings and onboard aircraft by airport workers, passengers, and crew members, stating that it is now discretionary.
It, however, noted that persons aged 60 years and above, those who are immunocompromised, and those with co-morbidities are advised to continue the use of facemasks, and should wash their hands with water and soap, use hand alcohol-based sanitisers, and avoid large gatherings.
The NCAA also stated that disinfection of bags at the entrance of terminal buildings is no longer required.
The memo further affirmed that all passengers irrespective of their vaccination status are no longer mandated to show their test results nor will there be any compulsory isolation period again.
The Airlines are hereby directed to resume serving catering items such as meals and drinks on board aircraft as the maintenance of social boundaries is no longer obligatory.
✍️ Timileyin Okunlola
