Nigerians in the UK to undergo COVID-19 test before evacuation

The Nigeria High Commission in the United Kingdom has said any Nigerian willing to be evacuated to Nigeria due to the Coronavirus pandemic will be made to undergo a compulsory Coronavirus test in the UK before they can board the flight back to Nigeria.

According to a memo sent to Nigerians, the High Commission said the Nigerian citizens can get their test done via public medical facilities or through private medical outfits that have the test kits. The Commission in the memo suggested two private medical outfits Nigerians can contact for a private COVID-19 test. The private test kit is said to cost £350 (N140, 000).

“This is a Public Health England-approved COVID-19 testing kit. Laboratory results are said to be within 3-5 working days. The test is for patients 16 years and older. So, you are free to make your options and decisions, as we look forward to bringing you back home. You will not be allowed to board without having done the COVID – 19 Test,” the memo read in part.

The Commission did not however state whether those that tested positive and negative would be flown back together. The Commission added that it has started receiving applications for evacuation but will not begin testing for COVID-19 until there are about 100 applications. It says the cost of testing, paid by prospective evacuees, would be refunded if it is not able to get 100 applications.

About 100 Nigerians have reportedly indicated interest in leaving the UK and another 45 in the US.

The Federal government last week announced plans to evacuate Nigerians in high risk countries back home but those who wish to return would bear the financial implications and must be quarantined for 14 days upon their arrival in Nigeria.