COVID-19 third wave: FG places Abuja, Lagos, others on red alert

COVID-19 third wave

The Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19 has placed no fewer than six states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on red alert over fears of the COVID-19 third wave.

The states placed on red alert following the confirmation of the COVID-19 Delta variant in the country are Lagos, Oyo, Rivers, Kaduna, Kano, Plateau, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, the PSC warned other states of the federation to increase their level of preparedness and continue to enforce all protocols to guard against the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

The statement by the PSC on Saturday was titled, ‘COVID-19 third wave: PSC puts six states and FCT on red alert, recommends preventive measures for safe Eid celebration.’

Mustapha further warned Nigerians to be mindful of the likelihood of the wider spread of the COVID-19 as Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Kabir on Tuesday and Wednesday.

He stated, “Following the confirmation of the Delta variant of COVID-19 and the rising number of infections and hospitalisations in the country, the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 (PSC) has put six states and the Federal Capital Territory on red alert as part of the preventive measures against a third wave of the pandemic. The states are Lagos, Oyo, Rivers, Kaduna, Kano, Plateau, and the FCT.

“The PSC, however, warns that all states of the federation should heighten their state of preparedness and continue to enforce all protocols put in place, given the renowned greater ease of 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 risk of importation of variants of concern into the country by strengthening surveillance at all Points of Entry, enforcing extant quarantine protocols, and sustaining the current restrictive measures against travellers arriving from India, Brazil, Turkey, and South Africa.

“The PSC felicitates with the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration. It, however, urges all state governments and religious leaders to be mindful of the potential for a wider spread of the virus during large gatherings,” the statement read.

The PSC, however, recommended the suspension of Durbar activities and limitation on all indoor gatherings, for Muslims celebrating the Eid-el-Kabir.

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