Corona Virus- Nigerian Doctors, Nurses May Begin Mass Exodus To US

BY CAMI EZENWA

There is a popular saying that one man’s meat is another man’s poison and that the challenge that closes one opportunity inevitably opens another one.

This saying appears to apply accurately to the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic in that as much as it has remained deadly, it somewhat appears to be opening near realities to people

Reports scooped by The Eagle for example, shows that increasing demand for medics to handle the challenging situation is forcing the United States to relax its visa restrictions, especially for medical professions.

This opportunity is likely to be snapped by desperate Nigerians and indeed other Africans where the economic situation has been most unfriendly.

The western countries especially the United States of America have remained occupational mecca of sorts for those seeking greener pastures sometimes at great risks.

The latest is that Washington has asked medical professionals seeking to work in America to apply for a work visa at the nearest US Embassy.

Washington is taking the step to strengthen the health system to contain the coronavirus pandemic in the country.

A statement scooped on its official website www.travel.state.gov on Friday, by journalists, advised foreign medical professionals already in the US to consult with their sponsors to extend their programmes.

The statement read, “We encourage medical professionals seeking to work in the United States on a work or exchange visitor, particularly those working to treat or mitigate the effects of COVID-19, to reach out to the nearest embassy or consulate to request a visa appointment.

“For those foreign medical professionals already in the United States:

“J-1 Alien Physicians (medical residents) may consult with their programme sponsor, ECFMG, to extend their programmes in the United States.  Generally, a J-1 program for a foreign medical resident can be extended one year at a time for up to seven years.”

Unconfirmed reports within the week hinted of some foreigners desiring a relocation out of the country in the face of increasing cases of COVID-19.

Some based their drive for relocation on the basis of the report that the pandemic is less likely to thrive in hot climes.

The virus which is currently in at least 81 other countries, including the US has so far has killed nearly 3, 300 people and infected more than 97,000. The virus, which causes a disease known as COVID-19, Most of the deaths have occurred in mainland China, but 230 deaths have been reported elsewhere, including 11 in the US.

While the virus has a 3.4% death rate as of this week, experts have said that this would get lower as more cases are reported.