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WARNING! Why Nigerians Must Not Travel, Hold Christmas Carol This Year – NCDC
The Nigeria Centre For Disease Control has said that not so important meetings and gatherings should be avoided this Yuletide Season.
News Rain Nigeria gathered that the Director-General of NCDC, Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, said at a media briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 on Monday in Abuja, that Christmas carols and other gatherings which could spread the virus should be avoided this Christmas season.
Ihekweazu said: “As the year rounds off, we can take necessary actions now to make 2021 a hopeful and successful year and bring about a move back to the way of life that we miss so much.
“Before we get there, we have an intervening period, the month of December with the associated festivities that mark the end of the year.
Nigerians Must Not Travel, Hold Christmas Carol This Year – NCDC
“Many of the traditional meetings that we engage in at this time of the year, whether it is Christmas carols or festivals, trips or family gatherings, can end up being super spreader events.
“We must take this into consideration as we make our choices.”
Ihekweazu said although there had been some encouraging news about COVID-19 vaccines, mass production of the vaccines might still take time.
He said: “We are even very far from having one with a license.
“So, we have to tighten our belts and get through this month of December.
“Everyone should be vigilant, disciplined, and abide by the general protocols that we have advised throughout the year.
“This is the best way that we can keep our loved ones safe and transit safely into 2021.
“This is particularly important for the elderly in our country who we may want to go and visit as we do by this time of the year.”
Meanwhile, the NCDC boss said a travel advisory had been issued by the NCDC, noting that it detailed why travels both locally and internationally must be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
He said: “The NCDC issues this public health advisory for all members of the public to increase awareness about the continued risks relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures that need to be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the upcoming Christmas and New Year periods.
“Across the world, Christmas is a time for celebration and an increase in religious and social gatherings.
It will be recalled that in spite of announcements of the discovery of vaccines to tackle novel coronavirus pandemic, mass production of the vaccines is still far.
The center said for that reason, Nigerians must continue to observe non-pharmaceutical measures against COVID-19.
