NCDC: Highly infectious Delta variant most dominant COVID strain in Nigeria

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) says the Delta variant continues to be the dominant strain of coronavirus in the country.

Ifedayo Adetifa, NCDC director-general, represented by Yahaya Disu, head of risk communication, said this on Monday at the bi-weekly national briefing on COVID-19, in Abuja.

He said the Delta variant has overwhelmingly dominated the isolation centres in the country.

He added that countries in Europe have started to reintroduce restrictions and some have resulted in national demonstrations and unrest.

“Cases have risen sharply in Austria, Netherlands, U.K, Germany and Italy. We must note that these are regions with considerably high vaccination rates, however, they are seeing surges in COVID-19, leading to make vaccinations mandatory to counter transmission of the virus which unvaccinated persons pose,” NAN quoted him as saying.

“I mention these to inform you that COVID-19 is still causing havoc in other countries and we must not take our situation for granted.

“Rather, we must continue to use preventive measures, safeguard our health and take responsibility. We can work together as we have done in this long-haul response to COVID-19.”

Adetifa appealed to people to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if they had not, noting that it was safe, effective and would reduce the occurrences of severe diseases and deaths.

He added that laboratories are still available for COVID-19 testing, and asked Nigerians to get tested if they feel COVID-19 symptoms.

“Do not assume symptoms may be malaria or a typical cold. We are working to strengthen COVID-19 risk communications using innovative and targeted means by listening to the public and responding effectively.

“The team is currently collaborating on the development of a COVID-19 response sustainability plan and an intra action review to strategise on ways to reinvigorate the response.”