Nollywood star Gideon Okeke says actors in Nigeria must submit medical reports before they are given roles on set that involve intimacy.
His request follows the first coronavirus case recorded last week after an Italian national who works in Nigeria and flew into the commercial capital Lagos from Milan on 25 February.
The Nigerian model cum TV Presenter shared his thoughts and possible precaution against spreading the virus through kissing and close contact.
“Or better yet…For How Much? Times have come when we ALL owe ourselves, the responsibility of presenting Medical Records. ACTING is a “Contact” sport,” he captioned a poster he shared.
“What with spittle running free when in the heat of passionate dialogue. For now…I DEY MY YARD. ENJOYING BANGA RICE.”
Deaths globally have passed 3,000. More than 80,000 people are now known to be infected in 40 countries.
More than 60 people are known to have died outside China, where the outbreak began. However, the number of infections reported within mainland China continues to fall.
The World Health Organization called the virus “unique”, saying they had never seen a virus that could transfer so easily between individuals.
The economic impact continues to be felt – airlines including British Airways, Ryanair and Lufthansa announced they are cancelling flights.
Poorer countries without the infrastructure to deal with outbreaks may receive help from the World Bank and IMF.