Following a wave of COVID-19 infections in the country’s seat of power with several close aides of the president coming down with the virus, the Presidency has mandated rapid COVID-19 tests for all visitors of the Aso Villa.
This development was disclosed by Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant, Media and Publicity to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari.
To curtail the spread, the Presidency mandated the rapid COVID-19 test, which can easily and speedily detect the virus.
He said:
Yes, a new regime of COVID-19 regulation has been put in place for all visitors to the Villa, not for governors alone.
Every visitor to the Villa, not just those seeing the president, is now required to do a rapid test at the gate.
According to Shehu, the rapid tests are free and a temporary precaution until the surge in infections reduces.
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Speaking further, he stated:
The kits are freely issued, so no one is required to make payment. This is purely temporary in view of the recent spike in cases and will be removed any moment the situation abates. It’s a growing practice in government offices in many countries.
Although some exceptions have been made for a few leaders in government coming from outside the Villa, they too are encouraged to do those tests.
This policy has rightfully been justified following the discovery of COVID-19 positivity in some of those tested since the last few days of the practice.
Shehu recently made a recovery from the virus, while other infected staff of the Aso Villa are still on the road to recovery.
