The Federal Ministry of Health says there is no indication of new COVID variation XEC in Nigeria.
The variation, first identified in Australia, has spread to 29 nations, raising concerns about its increased virulence.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Alabi Balogun, deputy director of information and public relations at the health ministry, urged Nigerians not to panic but to continue to take precautions by practising personal cleanliness.
He added that the government has taken precautions by building molecular laboratories, isolation centres, and ventilator-equipped intensive care units at federal tertiary hospitals.
The statement reads:
“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.”