Coronavirus: US to Evacuate Citizens in Nigeria

Pat Stevens/

The US government is reportedly preparing to evacuate its citizens in Nigeria over rising cases of coronavirus infection.

Confirmed cases of coronavirus in Nigeria currently stands at 81 according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

NewsmakersNG learnt that the US Embassy in Nigeria is making special arrangements for flights due to the closure of all international airports by the federal government.

The Consulate, yesterday, in a notice entitled ‘Health Alert: US Mission in Nigeria’, advised American citizens to be in Abuja and Lagos “as soon as possible” to join the arranged flights back to the US.

The notice stated, “At present, there are no scheduled flights to the United States.  However, we are actively exploring options and attempting to secure flights despite global airport closures and travel restrictions.

“We will email US citizens immediately once we have flight details, routes, and costs.

“US citizens who are considering returning to the United States are urged to travel to Abuja or Lagos as soon as possible.

“The Embassy and Consulate are unable to assist with lodging, food, or transportation costs, and some hotels have closed or are closing.

“To disseminate important information and alerts for US Citizens including possible evacuation flights, the State Department uses the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program as its primary messaging system. US Citizens in Nigeria who want to be informed about emergency flights and receive other alerts should enroll in STEP immediately.”

As of today, the US has 68,334 confirmed cases of coronavirus, the highest in the world, with 991 attendant deaths.

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