Out of the 40 Nigerians in the United Kingdom mandated to undergo the Coronavirus test of those who registered to return home, no fewer than 10 persons tested positive to the virus.
The results of the tests, released on Monday in London; indicated that the 10 individuals were asymptomatic; raising fears that they might have infected other people.
The report sparked panic among the staff of the Nigerian High Commission in London; and other Nigerians who heard about the development.
1st News learnt that 2,000 Nigerians, mostly in the United States, the United Kingdom, China; and the United Arab Emirates, had registered; and indicated their intention to come home.
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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which compiled a list of such stranded Nigerians; gave some conditions.
The ministry said the intending returnees would pay for their journey back home. Also, it stated that they would be compulsorily tested for COVID-19; before coming back to Nigeria.
Reports say that many of the stranded Nigerians were students and businessmen; who travelled to the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Australia; and the United Arab Emirates.
More so, many of those who tested positive were not resident in the UK; but went to the European country for business and educational purposes.
A source in the high commission explained that Nigerians, who registered for the evacuation; were tested in a batch of 40. The source added that another batch would soon undergo the COVID-19 test.
He stated, “We have just received the results of the first batch of 40 Nigerians; who registered for evacuation to Nigeria. The results show that about 10 persons tested positive for COVID-19; and they have also commenced treatment in isolation centres.
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“What is generating consternation is the fear that they might have infected; many other people since they were not showing symptoms of the deadly disease.”
The spokesman for Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission, Abdul-Rahman Balogun, confirmed the development; stating that those who tested positive had commenced treatment.
He said, “Yes, I can confirm that the results of the first cluster of 40 persons revealed that between eight; and 10 Nigerians tested positive for coronavirus. They have since commenced treatment in the UK.”
