Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has announced newly detected COVID-19 variant called XEC COVID-19 SRTAIN
A Statement from the Ministry signed by the Head, Teaching Hospital Division, Dr O. N Anuma on behalf of the Permanent Secretary said the COVID-19 variant was first discovered in Australia
The Statement noted that the new variant of COVID has spread to 29 Countries globally
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is concerned over its potential impacts on Public Health
It therefore called for alert systems to be immediately activated through out hospitals for high index of suspicion in patients with COVID-like symptoms
The Statement charged Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to share critical data regarding this strain
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare also directed them to implement enhanced monitoring protocols as timely information sharing among relevant stakeholders will be vital for effective response strategies
Meanwhile, the Global Institute of Nurses, Midwives and Allied Health Professionals Team have cautioned the populace to be careful about the newly detected COVID-19 variant as Nigerians enter the yuletide period.
A Statement by Mr Sodiq Adetunji Adekola of the Directorate of Professional Development division, Global Institute of Nurses, Midwives and Allied Health professionals (GINMAHP) encouraged the people to always ensure their personal hygiene is enhanced and wished Nigerians happy Christmas celebration in advance
