Due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak in China, the Federal Government of Nigeria stated that it is keeping surveillance and a high level of preparation at the country’s entrance points to prevent a new outbreak of COVID-19.
The government announced this during the Federal Ministry of Health’s ministerial press briefing on COVID-19 and other health-related events in Abuja.
Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Minister of Health, stated at the briefing that the ministry has met with the World Health Organization and the Chinese Embassy to discuss the reappearance of COVID-19 in China.
There is a resurgence of COVID-19 in China following the relaxation of the country’s “Zero-COVID” policy, as well as significantly increased COVID-19 cases, admissions, and deaths in the United Kingdom and the United States of America in recent weeks, driven in part by the usual winter respiratory illness exacerbations.
Ehanire added, “My ministry has been having discussions with the World Health Organisation with the senior officials of the ministry, and we have had technical sessions to do a situation review.”
“The reported increase in cases in China, the United States, and Europe is seasonal, and it is not surprising during the winter.
“As a result, the recent liberalization influences the growth in instances with the removal of travel restrictions.
“From what you know, there isn’t a new variant, but there are distinct sub-variants.
“The health ministry will maintain monitoring and a high degree of preparation, especially at our points of entry.
“The Ministry of Health will not delay in taking appropriate action.”
The minister asked Nigerians to take precautions, vaccinate, and use facemasks as needed. Therefore, Nigerians are advised to be vigilant and comply with the government’s pleas.