The House of Representative on Tuesday adopted a motion to halt all flights from UK, Spain, Italy, the USA, China and South Korea, and ban large gatherings to slow the spread of coronavirus, which causes Covid-19.
It urged the federal government to consider the halt and suspension in the interest of public health and wellbeing until further notice.
Luke Onofiok, (PDP, Akwa Ibom) who moved the motion at plenary said on Tuesday that governments world over have taken far-reaching efforts to prohibit gatherings of more than 50 people, encouraged social distancing of at least three feet and widespread use of hand sanitisers.
“And citizens encouraged to stay indoors with some cities and nations on total lockdown (save for strategic and essential movements)- in fact workers are encouraged to work from home while students are encouraged to study online,” he added.
The lawmaker observed that virtually all sporting activities in the world such as the ATP (Tennis), Judo (International Judo Federation), London Marathon, NBA, EFL, Formula 1, The US Masters, Kentucky Derby, Boxing, FA Women’s Championships, FA Women’s Super League, UEFA, LaLiga, World Cup Qualifiers, Darts (The Professional Darts Corporation), and Cricket- have been cancelled or postponed due to precautions about the spread of the coronavirus.
“Indoor games, with schools from pre-kindergarten through universities and research centers shut down,” he said.
On Tuesday, the government announced it was postponing the National Sports Festival billed to hold in Benin City amidst coronavirus fears.
Tens of thousands of athletes and spectators were billed to attend the Edo2020 in Benin City, with the state government insisting it was prepared to handle the large gathering amidst coronavirus fears.