FG allays fears on new COVID variant in Nigeria

The Federal Government has allayed fears on the presence of the new COVID-19 variant XEC in Nigeria.

The variant which was first reported in Australia has spread to 29 countries, including the United States, Denmark. France, Germany and the United Kingdom with over 600 people infected.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations in the Ministry of Health, Balogun Alabi, said there was no evidence of the new variant in Nigeria.

He urged Nigerians not to panic but continue taking precautions, including personal hygiene.

The director said the federal government has taken precautionary measures by establishing molecular laboratories, isolation centres, and intensive care units equipped with ventilators at the federal tertiary hospitals across the country.

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The statement read: “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.

“However, the good news is that there is no evidence of COVID variant XEC in Nigeria.

“In light of the above, the general public is advised not to panic but to continue with the universal precautions of observing personal hygiene, including regular washing of hands.

“The federal ministry of health and social welfare, through her agencies, has stepped up surveillance, including at all entry points to Nigeria.

“The federal government has proactively upgraded our federal tertiary hospitals by establishing molecular laboratories, isolation centres, and intensive care units equipped with ventilators.

“Since the COVID variant XEC has not been detected in Nigeria, it has therefore become imperative to correct the misinformation and fear of the general public concerning the resurgence of COVID-19 in Nigeria.”

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