The Federal Government has clarified that the newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant, identified in Australia and some other countries in Europe, is not in Nigeria.
Permanent secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs Kachollum Daju confirmed that a recently leaked letter addressed to the Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors was precautionary and not intended to cause panic.
Speaking further, Mrs Daju noted that the XEC COVID-19 variant has been detected in 29 countries, and due to the festive season, when travellers arrive from various parts of the world, it is crucial for hospitals to implement measures to ensure the country is not caught off guard.
The Permanent Secretary stressed the importance of preventive measures during this period to prevent any potential spread of the variant into Nigeria.
