TheCable

The presidential task force (PTF) on COVID-19 says international travellers, who violate the guidelines on preventing the spread of the virus, risk imprisonment.

Mukhtar Muhammad, national incident manager (NIM) of PTF, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

It is mandatory for passengers on flights into Nigeria to present evidence of a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction test performed 96 hours from the date of departure, while a second PCR test will be done on day seven after arrival.

Muhammad added that the names of the defaulting passengers will be published on Tuesday.

“Last week, we received report of some passengers who, having violated the entry protocol, were reported to have jumped quarantine. The PTF is taking the necessary steps to ensure timely prosecution of these passengers,” he said.

“For the benefit of the public, let me reiterate the protocol for passengers arriving without PCR or those who obtained a fake PCR results.

“These passengers will be tested on arrival and immediately taken to a mandatory seven-day quarantine at designated hotels, at the expiry of which they will have a second COVID-19 test using PCR.

“The passengers will be responsible for all their hotel and laboratory bills, as well as be liable to prosecution at the COVID-19 tribunal. A list of 100 passengers will be published tomorrow.

“Jumping quarantine is a grave offence which is punishable by imprisonment, and PTF will not shirk from prosecuting any violators.

“Nigerians must try to comply with the provisions of our entry protocol, because it is in your own best interest.

“Remember that if you obtain a fake PCR result and conspire and connive your way through the airport, you will be at a very high risk of taking COVID-19 infection home to infect your loved ones and the people in your community.”

Muhammad added that the PTF will continue to monitor compliance by all international airlines and approved laboratories, and take necessary action on travel advisories for national interest and greater public safety.

The development comes weeks after the PTF published the passport numbers of 100 Nigerians who refused to undergo the mandatory COVID-19 test after returning to the country.