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As airports around the world have started screening passengers arriving from China for the deadly coronavirus, the Executive Secretary, Africa Air Passengers Rights Association (AAPRASS), Amb. Victor Walsh Oluwafemi has hailed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and the Ministry of Aviation for taking swift action by setting up screening centres at the various airports in the country for passengers arriving from China ensuring that they undergo thorough screenings to detect those who might have been infected by the coronavirus.
In a statement signed by the AAPRASS Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Odaudu Joel and made available to journalists at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Sunday, the AAPRASS boss, Amb. Walsh Oluwafemi thanked the aviation agency and the Ministry for employing measures that will ensure the safety and well-being of airline passengers in Nigeria.
Amb. Oluwafemi also implored airport authorities in other African countries to adopt all necessary measures at their various airports identify infected passengers.
“We are very much concerned about the health and wellbeing of airline users in the African continent in a time like this. I appreciate the NCAA, Ministry of Aviation, airport authorities, and airlines operating in the country for their their efforts so far implore them to increase surveillance on all inbound passengers from China”, he said.
“It is also pertinent for NCAA and airport authorities to educate and provide information to passengers about the symptoms of the virus. Outcomes of preliminary study suggests the coronavirus may have made the jump to humans from snakes, but medical experts in China have also suggested badgers and rats as possible sources of the deadly virus. AAPRASS as a stakeholder in the aviation industry will do its best to create awareness about the virus at the nation’s various airports for the safety and wellbeing of airline users”, Amb. Oluwafemi further asserted.
“The coronavirus can be transmitted from one person to another through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread through contaminated surfaces, such as door handles or railings. We appeal to all airline operators and airport authorities to step up their efforts to preventing the spread of the virus to passengers in Nigeria”, he stressed.
The AAPRASS chief also recommended the suspension of vacations and business trips by African countries to China and its neighbouring countries until the deadly virus is completely contained taken care of.
Signed:
Odaudu Joel
Head of Corporate Communications
Africa Air Passengers Rights Association (AAPRASS).
