The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has revealed that there is no evidence of the newly detected COVID-19 variant XEC in Nigeria.
This comes after the variant, first reported in Australia, spread to 29 countries globally, raising concerns over its heightened virulence.
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According to Alabi Balogun, Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry, Nigerians should not panic but continue taking precautions by observing personal hygiene. The government has also taken precautionary measures by establishing molecular laboratories, isolation centers, and intensive care units equipped with ventilators at federal tertiary hospitals.
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Balogun stated on Saturday, “You may recall that a newly detected COVID variant, XEC, was reported in Australia and has spread to about 29 countries globally and has shown a more virulence over other circulating strains with concern over its possible impact on service delivery in our federal tertiary hospitals.”
He added, “However, the good news is that there is no evidence of COVID variant XEC in Nigeria.”
The Ministry advised citizens to remain calm and continue observing universal precautions, including regular handwashing.
It also assured the public that the federal government has stepped up surveillance at all entry points to Nigeria and has upgraded federal tertiary hospitals to ensure uninterrupted healthcare delivery.
