The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) announced on Monday that the fourth COVID-19 wave had hit the country.
This was said in a statement signed by Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, Director-General.
“Over the past two weeks, Nigeria has seen a 500 percent spike in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases across the country due to the Delta and Omicron variants,” according to the release.
“As of December 19, 2021, Nigeria had documented a total of 223,887 cases and 2985 deaths throughout all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.”
“The country is now in a fourth COVID-19 wave. The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19, the Federal Ministry of Health, as well as NCDC and its partners, are therefore intensifying risk communication efforts to remind Nigerians of the risk we face and need to take collective responsibility to reduce transmission of the virus.”
According to the NCDC, combating the virus necessitates a joint effort.
Individuals, families, and institutions must all have a role in protecting one another by adhering to COVID-19 public health and social measures, according to the statement.
“Critically, Nigerians are encouraged to follow the NCDC’s and other public health authorities’ recommended precautions as they celebrate Christmas and New Year.
“To decrease the danger of transmission, please avoid any non-essential travel within and outside Nigeria.”
The virus that causes COVID-19 is more prone to spread in large crowds, especially when they are hosted indoors and have poor ventilation.
“We strongly recommend outdoor events with physical distancing, compulsory use of facemasks, and provision of handwashing facilities or hand sanitisers. Please make use of every opportunity provided to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The government has made these vaccines available for all eligible citizens and booster doses available for those previously vaccinated.”
As part of its efforts against the virus, the NCDC said it was launching a ‘Celebrate Responsibly’ campaign.
“The Celebrate Responsibly campaign which spans from the Christmas holiday through to the start of the new year, emphasises the responsibility of all Nigerians, the government, private sector, institutions, associations, communities, families and individuals in combating the COVID-19 pandemic,” the statement said.
“Religious leaders and heads of institutions, organisations and businesses are urged to enforce public compliance to COVID-19 preventive measures in their jurisdiction. COVID-19 continues to threaten the lives and the livelihoods of Nigerians therefore we must not let our guards down this festive season. We urge Nigerians to take all precautions necessary to ensure we and our loved ones live to celebrate many more events and festivities.
“The campaign includes the production of key messages, audio and visual materials for wide dissemination. The NCDC urges all individuals, traditional and religious leaders, business owners, the media, transport workers and other institutions and sectors to join the campaign by adopting the key messages and sharing within their networks.
“The Celebrate Responsibly campaign calls on all Nigerians to take all necessary precautions for a safe and healthy Christmas and New Year celebration.”
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