COVID: Infected Passengers have been seeking to board flights, Lagos Airport Manager raises alarm

The Manager of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, Mrs. Victoria Shin-Aba, has raised the alarm over how passengers with COVID-19 positive PCR test results have been boarding flights.

The Manager of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, Mrs. Victoria Shin-Aba, has raised the alarm over how passengers with COVID-19 positive PCR test results have been boarding flights.

Shin-Aba, who also doubles as the Regional Manager, South West Airports, frowned at the development, describing it as a challenge to officials at the airport.

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Speaking with newsmen in Lagos, the MMIA Airport Manager lamented that despite warning that persons who tested positive for COVID-19 should isolate and stay indoors for treatment, they have been seen roaming around in public places and interacting with others.

Shin-Aba disclosed that they were always in contact with the authorities of Port Health Services and had held meetings regarding the matter.

She said, “People with positive COVID test still come to the Airport to board, I don’t know for whatever reason; they know with this they can’t travel but they still bring it but definitely they are not allowed to travel.”

The MMIA Manager said the authority had ramped up enforcement of all COVID-19 protocols at the airport.

According to her, on a daily basis, FAAN personnel ensure compliance of passengers with COVID protocols, enforcing face masks, sanitisers were in place for use by passengers.

“We have to ensure that both passengers and staff obey and comply with protocols,” she added.

She disclosed that passengers’ traffic had increased tremendously since last week, adding that, the current facilities at the terminal were being overstretched as a result of long usage.

“The terminal was built for the capacity of two million passengers but as we talk, we do have ten million passengers, definitely it is well over stretched and we still do our best for passengers comfort but the challenge is the cooling system but we are still working on them”.