The Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare says it has stepped up surveillance at all entry points to following the newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant, which has spread to 29 countries globally.

SaharaReporters reported earlier on Saturday that the Nigerian government issued a warning about the newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant, which has spread to 29 countries globally.

The variant was first reported in Australia and has shown a growth advantage over other circulating strains, raising concerns about its potential impact on public health, a letter Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare sent to Chairman, Committee of Chief Medical Directors and Medical Directors noted.

Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare in a press release on Saturday evening which was signed by Deputy Director Information and Public Relations, Alaba Balogun, advised the general public not to panic, but continue with the universal precautions of observing personal hygiene including regular washing of hands.

Titled: “Re: letter of conveyance in respect of the newly detected Covid Variant XEC,” the government said that there is no evidence of COVID variant XEC in Nigeria, and advised Nigerians to remain calm, rely on verified information from official sources, and continue their daily activities as usual.

“The mandate of the Federal of Ministry of Health is to develop and implement policies that strengthen the national health system for effective, efficient, accessible and affordable delivery of healthcare services in partnership with other stakeholders,” the statement noted.

“In furtherance of the responsibility of the Federal Ministry of Health on the coordination, monitoring and evaluation of emerging infectious diseases and response activities in Federal Tertiary Hospitals across the country and other agencies in the health sector, it has become imperative to ensure uninterrupted health care services delivery to all Nigerians in the event of a disease outbreak.

“You may recall that a newly detected COVID variant XEC, was reported in Australia and has spread to about 29 Countries globally and has shown a more virulence over other circulating strains with concern over its possible impact on service delivery in our Federal Tertiary Hospitals.

“However, the good news is that there is no evidence of COVID variant XEC in Nigeria,” the ministry disclosed. Adding, “In light of the above the general public is advised not to panic but continue with the universal precautions of observing personal hygiene including regular washing of hands.”

According to the statement, “the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare through her agencies has stepped up surveillance including at all entry points to Nigeria.”

Allaying fears the ministry’s statement stated that the Federal Government has proactively upgraded “our Federal Tertiary Hospitals by establishing Molecular Laboratories, Isolation centers, and intensive care units equipped with ventilators”.

“Since the COVID variant XEC has not been detected in Nigeria, it has therefore become imperative to address and correct the misinformation circulating on social media regarding a supposed resurgence of COVID-19 in the country.

“We urge the public to disregard the contents of a letter (Ref. No. DHS/INSPDIV/017/VOL.1/46, dated 5th December 2024) that has been widely shared online. Citizens are advised to remain calm, rely on verified information from official sources, and continue their daily activities as usual.

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