The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Friday issued a public health advisory amid the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the country and globally.
“This is based on the prevailing risk from the virus and the
need for religious organisations, community leaders, and Nigerians, in general,
to take necessary precautions ahead of the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations,”
it said, adding that the number of weekly COVID-19 cases has increased globally
for the third consecutive week – according to the World Health Organisation
(WHO).
“Similarly, our national surveillance system has detected a
gradual increase in the daily COVID-19 cases recorded in the country. Although
confirmed cases increased from 267 to 445 between weeks 21 to 24,
hospitalisation and fatalities have remained low suggesting these are mostly
mild to moderate cases or we are in the lag phase before we see the
accompanying increase in severe disease and hospitalisation.”
Since Nigeria’s first case was detected on 27th February
2020, authorities have confirmed 256,695 cases with 3,144 deaths across the 36
states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Genomic surveillance, according to the NCDC, confirms
omicron and its various offspring (sub lineages) remain the dominant
circulating variant of concern associated with the spread of the disease in the
country.
It explained that the recent increase in cases may be in
part or whole due to increased testing over the last few weeks, increased
circulation of omicron sub-lineages (BA.4 and BA.5 as seen elsewhere), an
increase in seasonal illness with cold and cough symptoms, as well as poor
adherence to preventive measures such as the use of masks.
Authorities said they have continued to maintain active
surveillance and support states to ensure that access to testing was provided
for prompt management of confirmed cases, and coordinate genomic surveillance
to detect emerging variants.
“Our focus is to ensure response continuity for COVID-19 and
improve our health system while giving needed attention to other priorities
within our mandate including the ongoing monkeypox response,” the agency said.
“In addition to the COVID-19 situation in Nigeria and globally,
the upcoming Eid-El-Kabir celebrations against a backdrop of suboptimal
COVID-19 vaccination uptake and increasing COVID-19 case numbers calls for
increased individual and collective responsibility.
“The virus that causes COVID-19 is more likely to spread in
mass gatherings and when people do not adhere to preventive measures such as
physical distancing, mask use, and hand hygiene. As we celebrate, we urge
Nigerians to prevent the onset of a full-fledged fifth COVID-19 wave by
remaining mindful of the high risk of spread of COVID-19 and acting in tandem
by adhering to recommended public health safety measures.”
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