FG Issues High Alert Over New COVID-19 Variant

Toba Owojaiye reporting 

Abuja, Nigeria

The Federal Government has sounded an urgent alarm regarding the newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant, which has already spread to 29 countries worldwide. In response, all tertiary hospitals across Nigeria have been directed to activate high-alert systems to identify and manage cases with COVID-like symptoms promptly.

Truth Live News gathered that, in a circular dated December 5, 2024, and signed by Dr. O. N. Anuma, Head of the Teaching Hospital Division, the government highlighted that the XEC variant exhibits a significant growth advantage over other circulating strains, raising global public health concerns.

The circular, titled “Letter of Conveyance in Respect of the Newly Detected XEC COVID-19 Strain,” emphasized the following actions for hospitals:

Immediate activation of alert systems.

Enhanced collaboration with stakeholders to monitor and share critical data.

Implementation of improved protocols for managing potential cases.

The government urged stakeholders to prioritize timely information sharing to develop effective response strategies. This development marks a critical moment in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to manage the pandemic.