Corona Virus: NCAA calls for high level of vigilance

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has cautioned Airline Operators, Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSP) and Aerodrome Operators to exercise a high level of vigilance against the spread of Coronavirus.

In a statement signed by the General Manager, Public Relations, Mr. Sam Adurogboye, the Authority said the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus (2019-nCov) was traced to Wuhan City, Hubei Province in China recently, and has spread to other countries such as Thailand, Republic of Korea, United States of America (USA) and Japan.

The NCAA urged all stakeholders to be on guard by adopting the necessary preventive measures against the spread of the virus, paying particular attention to its symptoms which are mainly fever and difficulty in breathing (Coughing, sneezing, etc.)

The statement reads in part: “In a letter dated 23^rd January 2020 and signed by the Acting Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Sidi Abdullahi with reference number NCAA/DG/AMS/Vol. 1. /30, the Regulatory Authority has called for a high level of vigilance by Airlines (especially those operating international and regional flights), all designated points of entries (POEs) and the travelling public.

In the letter sent to the airlines, all operators are therefore required to carry out the following:

1. Pilots in Command (PIC) of aircraft are to report to the Air Traffic Control (ATC) any suspected cases of communicable disease onboard an aircraft in line with Nig. CARs 18.8.22.4;

• In case of a suspected case of communicable disease onboard an aircraft, the aircrew is to fill the aircraft General Declaration (Gen Dec) in line with Nig. CARs 18.8.17.4 and Annex 8 of International Health Regulations (IHR 2005).Completed aircraft General Declaration is to be submitted to the Port Health Services (PHS) on arrival at the designated point of entry.

• Sick passengers on board an aircraft are to be required by the crew to fill a Passenger Locator form in line with Nig.CARs 18.8.22.5. The completed Passenger Locator Forms are to be submitted to Port Health Services (PHS) on arrival at the designated point of entry.
• Airlines are to have onboard the appropriate number of First Aid Kits, Universal Precaution kits and Emergency Medical kits according to the provisions of Nig.CARs 7.9.1.11 and 7.9.1.12.

• Airlines are to update the knowledge of their crew members in the handling of communicable diseases onboard an aircraft.

• Cabin crew should follow the operational procedures recommended by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and their airlines’ Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) in handling possible cases of communicable diseases on board an aircraft. They are to ensure that passengers with symptoms of acute respiratory infection exercise cough etiquette (maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues and wash hands thoroughly.

• Passengers should be encouraged by the crew to self-report if they feel ill.

• Airlines are to contact Port Health Services for clearance before importing human remains into the country.

• Designated Points of Entries are to ensure (i) stakeholders collaboration in the handling of a suspected case of communicable disease in line with their respective Public Health Emergency Contingency Plans (PHECPs), (ii) Routine measures, train staff, provide appropriate space, stockpiling of adequate equipment (including Personal Protective Equipment) should be in place at Points of Entries for assessing and managing ill travellers detected before travel, onboard aircraft and on arrival,(iii) Procedures and means are in place for communicating information on ill travellers between aircraft and point of entries as well as between POEs and National Health Authorities (iv) Safe transportation of symptomatic passengers to hospitals or designated facilities for clinical assessment and treatment is organised;

1. Airlines and POEs are to report to the Authority in writing any suspected case of communicable disease observed in flight or at any Point of Entry (POE) – International Airport.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) therefore expects strict compliance to the Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs) as enumerated above. However, failure to adhere to these guidelines will be viewed seriously by the Authority.”