Coronavirus: Our hospitals are overwhelmed - US tells citizens seeking evacuation from Nigeria

The United States Government has notified its citizens seeking to be evacuated from Nigeria, of the current state of the American health care system.

In a statement released on Sunday April 5, the United States Embassy in Nigeria stated that hospitals are overwhelmed in the country.

Asides announcing that US citizens must fund their trip back to the country, the Embassy further disclosed that medical care is no longer covered by insurance because the healthcare system is overwhelmed.

The statement reads;

“Passengers must sign a promissory note and repay the full cost of their seat(s).

“U.S. Embassy Abuja and U.S. Consulate General Lagos would like potential evacuees to bear in mind the following considerations in determining if an evacuation flight is in the best interest of you and your family,” the statement read.

“This is a self-funded, one way flight to a single destination in the United States. All passengers must sign a promissory note and repay the full cost of their seat(s).

“In addition, travelers are responsible for organizing and funding any travel to their final destination in the United States, all living expenses while in the United States, and any return travel to Nigeria. Evacuation flights can range between $1,300 and $2,400 per person.

“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.

“Many hotels in the United States have closed or are closing. If you plan to evacuate to the United States, please ensure you secure accommodations BEFORE you travel.

“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.”