Moses Ofodeme
Chinese Government via an official document has confirmed that 72 Nigerians tested positive for COVID-19 in Guangzhou, China.
The document, REF. No. SWZ[2020] 0128, dated April 22, 2020 by the Foreign Affairs Office, Guangzhou Municipal People’s Government; outlined the profile of the cases and advised Nigerians resident in China to comply with the law of their hosts in controlling the pandemic.
However, the official communication between the two countries has buttressed the claim that the Chinese Government actually wrote its Nigerian counterpart; informing the Federal Government of its staggering findings among Africans in Guangzhou.
The document, which was written to the Consulate General of Nigeria in Guangzhou, read in part; “The Foreign Affairs Office of Guangzhou Municipal People’s Government presents its compliments to the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Guangzhou; and has the honour to summarise the current situation of Nigeria citizens in Guangzhou concerning the COVID-19 pandemic.
“According to the data reported on 21st April, 2020 by the Guangzhou Municipal Health Commission; among Nigerian citizens in Guangzhou, there are 16 confirmed cases, 56 cases have been tested positive; and 65 cases of close contact.”
The letter further added, “We hereby kindly request the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Guangzhou; to urge Nigerian citizens in China to comply with the Law of the People’s Republic of China on the Prevention and Treatment of Infections Diseases; Law of Frontier Health and Quarantine of the People’s Republic of China, Public Health Emergency Regulations, etc., support; and cooperate with the Guangzhou Municipal People’s Government for any work related to the prevention and control of COVID-19.
“Also, remind them to carry out self-protection, reduce outdoor activities; avoid going to crowded areas; do not organise or participate in mass gathering.
“We hereby extend our gratitude to Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; and Nigerian citizens in Guangzhou for your kind understanding; support and cooperation.”
Perhaps, the content of this official communication, on which the story was based; formed the basis of a meeting between officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria; and the Chinese embassy in Abuja on Thursday.