The confirmed Covid-19 cases in Nigeria has taken a 500% surge over the past couple of weeks, due to the spread of the novel Delta and Omicron variants.
Dr. Ifedayo Adetola, Director General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) revealed yesterday in a statement at Abuja, that Nigeria has been observed to be in a fourth wave of the Covid-19 virus. He, as at two days ago, quantified the number of cases to be a total of 223,887, and the number of deaths was equaled to 2,985. He added that the figures are a factual representation of the Covid-19 situation across all the states in Nigeria and the FCT.
In his statement, the Director spelled out that the causative virus for Covid-19 was prone to spread faster in large gatherings, particularly when the gatherings are indoors, at full capacity, and with poor ventilation. He went on to recommend outdoor events with proper distancing measures in place, mandatory use of face masks, and hand-washing facilities or hand sanitisers.
Dr. Ifedayo maintained that the government has provided vaccines for all Nigerians, as well as booster doses for those previously vaccinated. However, with the information available to the public about the expiration of over a million Covid vaccines in Nigeria, there is speculation about the safety of the available doses.
He said: “Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is launching its Yuletide season campaign themed #CelebrateResponsibly as part of the #TakeResponsibility campaign, which began in February 2020. #CelebrateResponsibly focuses specifically on measures Nigerians need to take to protect themselves and loved ones from COVID-19 during this period.
“The #CelebrateResponsibly campaign targets the entertainment industry, transport industry, religious settings, media, security personnel, young people, and the general public to promote adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures during this festive period.
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.”
Despite the NCDC announcement of the fourth Covid-19 wave, Nigerians all over the country are getting ready to celebrate the end of the year as much as they can. From parties and concerts to shows and clubs, there’s a palpable celebratory attitude for the yuletide season. The #CelebrateResponsibly campaign is therefore directed to avoid an unprecedented flood of Covid cases in the country.