The Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Government, Otunba Kehinde Almaroof Oloyede has called the attention of the residents to the new variant of COVID-19, urging them to beware and be cautious.
The chairman sounded the note of caution following a letter delivered to his office from the Federal Ministry of Health, notifying the council area of the existence of the new variant in some countries and the need to take action not to have a repeat of the COVID-19 experience
The letter disclosed that the variant, firstly discovered in Australia, has now spread to 29 countries. It was also disclosed that the new variant spreads faster and is more potent than the known COVID-19
Virus.
Part of the letter reads, “I am directed to inform you of a newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant which has been reported in Australia and has already spread to 29 countries globally.
“You may wish to know that this variant has shown a growth advantage over other circulating strains, raising concerns about its potential impact on public health.”
“Alert systems should be immediately activated throughout our hospitals for high index of suspicion in patients with COVID-like symptoms.”
Following the letter, Oshodi-Isolo Council chairman, Otunba Oloyede has put all Public Health Centres (PHCs) within the council area on red alert, urging health workers to be vigilant, prompt and deliver their duties professionally.
He equally cautioned residents to be mindful and desist from activities that would hamper their health while advising them to avoid crowded places.
He said, “Sequel to the letter we received from the federal ministry of health, I want to urge our people to be careful and mindful of their activities.
Though, we have not yet recorded any case of the variant in Nigeria, but it is spreading fast and currently in 29 countries.
With the festivities, season at the corner, I’m sure there will be many travellings because people would want to spend the Yuletide with their loved ones hence, the need to be more vigilant.”
“I have directed all our PHCs to be vigilant and also placed them on the red alert. As a government, we shall provide all the necessary support needed to ensure our council area is secured.”
