* Emphasizes Importance Of Observing Personal Hygiene
By Kolawole Ojebisi
The Federal Ministry of Health has allayed the fears of Nigerians over the incursion of new COVID variant XEC in Nigeria.
The ministry stressed that there is no evidence of the new variant of the deadly virus in the country but urged Nigerians not to take their personal hygiene with levity.
The Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations at the health ministry, Alabi Balogun, made this known in a statement issued on Saturday night.
He said the government has also taken precautionary measures by establishing molecular laboratories, isolation centres, and intensive care units equipped with ventilators at the federal tertiary hospitals.
“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,” the statement reads.
“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.”
