The Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 (PSC) has revised the COVID-19/ Public Health protocol, saying the wearing COVID-19 testing, wearing of facemasks, social distancing are no longer mandatory at the nation’s airports and on board aircraft.
In a memo which emanated from the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Musa Nuhu and addressed to all aviation service providers with reference number: NCAA/DG/AIR/1 1/16/358 and dated December 12, 2022, the agency also stated that disinfection of bags at the entrance of terminal buildings is no longer required and airlines are therefore required to resume serving catering (meals and drinks) on board aircraft.
The statement read: “The prevalence of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria and most parts of the world has remained at a low level for a sustained period. The Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 (PSC) has therefore revised the COVID-19/ Public Health guidelines and the wearing of facemask inside airport terminal buildings and onboard aircraft by airport workers, passengers and crew members is no longer mandatory.
“Wearing of facemask by passengers onboard aircraft or inside airport terminal buildings is discretionary but recommended. Persons aged 60 years and above, immunocompromised (e.g. due to organ transplant, cancer), those with co-morbidities (e.g. Heart disease, Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, etc), are advised to use facemasks, wash their hands with water and soap, use hand alcohol-based sanitisers and avoid large gatherings.