FCT, Oyo, 5 other states on ‘red alert’ over fears of COVID-19 third wave

The Nigerian government has put six states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on a red alert as part of the preventive measures against a third wave of the pandemic.

The states include Lagos, Oyo, Rivers, Kaduna, Kano, Plateau.

According to the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 (PSC), the decision followed the confirmation of the Delta Variant of COVID-19 in the affected states and the FCT and the rising number of infections and hospitalisation in the country.

It noted that the importation of Delta Variants into the country shall be minimised by strengthening surveillance at all Points of Entry (POE) and sustaining the current restrictive measures against travelers arriving from India, Brazil, Turkey and South Africa.

In a statement by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) who is also the chairman of Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 (PSC), Boss Mustapha, on Saturday, urged all state governors and religious leaders to be mindful of the potential for wider spread of the virus during large gatherings, especially during the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

The committee further admonished all states of the federation to increase their state of preparedness and continue to enforce all protocols put in place to stem the increasing cases of COVID-19.

It is said the enforcement of the protocols became important “given the renowned greater ease of the spread of the Delta Variant. These steps are critical as we begin to see worrisome early signs of increasing cases in Nigeria.

“The PSC shall continue to minimise the importation of Variants of Concern into the country by strengthening surveillance at all Points of Entry (POE), embracing extant quarantine protocols and sustaining the current restrictive measures against travelers arriving from India, Brazil, Turkey and South Africa.”

The Presidential Screening Committee, while felicitating with Muslim faithful on the occasion of the forthcoming Eid-el-Kabir, urges all state governors and religious leaders to be mindful of the potential for wider spread of the virus during large gatherings.

It reminded all Nigerians and resident to stay safe always and recommended some preventive measures for a safe Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

These measures include decentralisation of Eid Prayer to neighbourhood Friday Prayer Mosques (outdoor); suspension of Durbar activities; and observation of limitations on all indoor gatherings.