Governors and other people visiting Presidential Villa, Abuja, would have to undergo a rapid COVID-19 test before they could gain entrance, the Presidency has said.
President Muhammadu Buhari’s spokesman, Garba Shehu told Channels Television that the new development was not unusual, saying that it is a growing practice in government offices in other countries.
According to Shehu, the pandemic test kits, which will be issued for free at the gate, will serve as a temporary measure against the backdrop of the recent spike in the number of cases of the COVID-19 virus in the country.
He told the TV station, “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.
“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.”
The measure is coming after some aides of Buhari, including Shehu, last week tested positive for the pandemic.