The United States Government has warned its citizens against leaving Nigeria because of the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.
In a statement posted on the website of US Mission on Sunday, the government explained that two flights scheduled to evacuate citizens from Lagos on Friday were canceled, because the hospitals back home are “overwhelmed”.
It however warned that nationals who will eventually make it back to the US, would foot their medical bills. The statement partly reads:
“Healthcare systems in many localities in the United States are currently overwhelmed. If you need to seek medical care while in the United States, you will be responsible for all costs not covered by your insurance;
“There are shortages of many basic supplies across the United States, including toilet paper and canned and frozen foods. Many stores, restaurants, and businesses are closed.
“At this time, Nigerian airports are closed to all commercial international flights. If you evacuate to the United States, it is unlikely you will be able to return to Nigeria until the Nigerian government reopens the airports and commercial flights resume.”
The United States have almost 350,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus. And out of that number, over 17,500 have recovered, with close to 10,000 deaths recorded.
Meanwhile, Nigeria has recorded a total of 232 coronavirus cases. 33 people have made full recoveries and been discharged, while five deaths have been recorded.