The Home of Representatives has requested the federal authorities to boost safety surveillance in any respect worldwide entry factors in response to the brand new COVID-19 XEC variant.
The decrease chamber additionally referred to as on the federal government to offer thermal scanners, infrared thermometers for temperature screening, and deploy personnel to hold out screening and quarantine companies for all inbound passengers getting into the nation.
This decision adopted a movement of pressing public significance moved by Uyime Idem (PDP, Akwa Ibom) throughout Tuesday’s plenary session.
XEC COVID-19 Variant
The XEC COVID-19 variant is a newly detected pressure of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that has been reported in a number of nations, together with Australia and varied European nations.
In line with the World Well being Organisation (WHO), the XEC variant has been recognized in 29 nations worldwide.
The variant displays a number of traits which have raised issues amongst well being authorities. It reveals elevated transmissibility, suggesting it might be extra contagious than different circulating strains.
Moreover, the variant comprises a number of mutations within the spike protein, which may have an effect on the virus’s means to contaminate cells and evade the immune system.
Article Web page with Monetary Help Promotion
Final week, the Federal Ministry of Well being and Social Welfare issued an announcement advising Nigerians to stay cautious relating to the brand new variant.
The Movement
Within the movement, Mr Idem famous that whereas Nigeria made vital strides in combating the preliminary pressure of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s essential to stay vigilant and proactive within the face of rising threats.
READ ALSO: Senate passes invoice to determine college of mining
“The emergence of the XEC COVID-19 variant in Africa poses a big risk to Nigeria’s public well being, contemplating the latest detection of an index case in Botswana involving a hospitalised European traveller. This raises issues concerning the potential unfold of the variant throughout the continent,” Mr Idem mentioned.
He added that Africa’s “restricted testing and sequencing capabilities” makes it difficult to find out the extent of the variant’s unfold, leaving Nigeria susceptible to a possible outbreak.
The movement was not debated, and when it was put to a vote by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, most of the lawmakers voted its assist.
Help PREMIUM TIMES’ journalism of integrity and credibility
At Premium Instances, we firmly consider within the significance of high-quality journalism. Recognizing that not everybody can afford expensive information subscriptions, we’re devoted to delivering meticulously researched, fact-checked information that continues to be freely accessible to all.
Whether or not you flip to Premium Instances for each day updates, in-depth investigations into urgent nationwide points, or entertaining trending tales, we worth your readership.
It’s important to acknowledge that information manufacturing incurs bills, and we take delight in by no means putting our tales behind a prohibitive paywall.
Would you think about supporting us with a modest contribution on a month-to-month foundation to assist preserve our dedication to free, accessible information?
Make Contribution
TEXT AD: Name Willie – +2348098788999
