Breaking: 49 cases of Omicron COVID-19 recorded in Nigeria

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has said that it has uncovered about 49 cases of the Omicron COVID variant as of December 21.

Also the agency has issued health advisory to guide security agencies and personnel ahead of Christmas and New Year Celebrations. This is based on the high risk of spread of COVID—19 in Nigeria and the need for collective responsibility to prevent a bigger surge in cases.

NCDC warned that there has been ‘a rapid increase in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases across the country including the transmission of Delta and Omicron variants of concern. The rate of spread has been alarming with a 500% rise in cases from epidemiological week 47 to week 48 of 2021. The country is now effectively experiencing a fourth COVID-19 wave.

NCDC called on security personnel to be aware of the high risk of spread of COVID-19 and the great risk of exposure occasioned by their jobs, and to ensure that they are fully vaccinated including booster doses whilst also adhering to the following preventive measures:

To limit all non-essential domestic and international travel. Travelers to Nigeria should adhere to the self-isolation, testing and other travel-related protocols

To always wear a facemask that covers nose and mouth when in public settings or with people outside your household

To maintain physical distance of at least two metres from people outside household

To aoid direct contact with people such as hugging and handshaking. Avoid sharing items such as prayer mats and kettles

If you must gather, please do this outdoors; otherwise, ensure that the indoor venue has enough space to accommodate attendees with appropriate physical distancing, adequate ventilation, and air flow. This must be in line with the existing COVID-19 health regulations

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer when hands are not visibly dirty and running water is not readily available

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue paper or use your elbow when sneezing and/or coughing. Dispose of the tissue properly immediately after use and wash your hands.

Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of a respiratory illness.

Stay at home if you feel unwell and call your state helpline for information on how to access testing. Do not mingle with others if you have respiratory and other symptoms such as cough, sore throat, a bad cold, cough, fever, or sudden loss of sense of taste or smell

Vulnerable groups i.e., people 60 years and above and/or people with pre-existing medical conditions should avoid non-essential outings and visitors. Where possible, a friend or family member should safely deliver food or any needed supplies. See NCDC advisory for more information- https://covid19.ncdc.gov.ng/media/files/AdvisoryforVulnerableGroupsV2June2020.pdf

Get vaccinated but while the COVID-19 vaccine confers some protection against the disease, it is important for vaccinated people to continue practicing these public health and social measures, to protect themselves and others.