NCDC calls in security agencies to enforce Covid protocol, as Omicron ravages

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has urged security agencies to collaborate with religious bodies in the enforcement of Covid-19 safety protocols during the festive season.

The new concern follows several

disturbing factors, particularly the realisation that Nigeria is now the third ranked African country in Omicron infections, after South Africa (1,296 cases) and Botswana (291).

NCDC says Nigeria has recorded 45 Omicron cases as of 20th December.

On Friday, NCDC announced 1,356 fresh Covid infections which moved the total figure to 234,709.

On hundred and ninety-seven Covid patients recovered on Friday to bring Nigeria's total recoveries to 212,237, while two fatalities were reported to take the figure to 2,993.

In all, there are 19,479 active Covid -19 cases in Nigeria.

NCDC said the first Omicron case in Nigeria was detected in a sample on 9th November.

The variant, which was first detected in South Africa and Botswana, has spread to other countries.

In its fresh directive signed by its Director-General, Ifedayo Adetifa, the NCDC said: “The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Presidential Steering Committee on Covid-19, the Federal Ministry of Health as well as the NCDC and its partners are intensifying communication efforts to remind Nigerians of the risk we face and the need to take collective responsibility to reduce the transmission of the virus.

“Security agencies are also encouraged to ensure consistency of the messages to the community, as generated by relevant authorities as well as identify the right channels of communication. These include the Federal Ministry of Health, state Ministries of Health and the NCDC.

“Information and feedback should also be shared with relevant authorities to influence decision-making and strategies. We urge 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".

A few days ago, the agency declared that Nigeria had slipped into a fourth wave of the pandemic following a 500 per cent increase in cases in the past two weeks.

Adetifa attributed the recent surge in infection cases to the Omicron and Delta variants.

He noted that the country was experiencing community transmission of the variant.

The NCDC boss said the country had identified 39 additional cases of the Omicron variant, bringing the total number of confirmed infections to 45.

Adetifa however stressed that it was important for Nigerians to maintain physical distancing and avoid contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness.

“We are counting on you to #CelebrateResponsibly and #TakeResponsibility to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from Covid-19,” he urged.