Omicron: Why we have not imposed travel restrictions – Nigerian minister

Tayo AFOLABI

The Federal Government has stated that as the COVID-19 variant, Omicron, is not deadly yet, it will not rush into banning flights or movements.

The health minister, Osagie Ehanire, on Sunday night on Channels Television’s ‘Politics Today’ programme said, “Up till now, it cannot be classified as deadly because of zero fatalities…no severe illness has been reported as about 246 (cases) have been identified.

“I think about 86 in the last 24 hours but have not reported any fatalities or any severe illness, not to my knowledge.

“And of course, not rushing into judgment, and we’re also not applauding any lockdowns or any prohibition, banning of flights or movement of people until we know more.

“We believe that the harm it will do to livelihoods and to plants and to economists might be more than the pursuit value that might be derived from shutting down the movement between countries.”

Recall that following the discovery of the new variant in late November, the European Union and countries in the Americas and Asia announced flight restrictions to many African countries, including Nigeria.