COVID-19: Nigeria Now In Third Wave – Health Minister

Nigerian Health Minister, Osagie Ehanire on Monday confirmed that the nation has been hit by the third wave of COVID-19.

Gatekeepers News reports that Ehanire stated this during the national briefing, as he noted that Nigeria has begun to record a sharp increase in the number of confirmed Covid-19 cases since the month of July.

“All data indicate that we are now no doubt in the third wave of resurgence of the SARS-COV-2 infection, which we saw coming long ago,” he said.

The Health Minister solicited more participation of States in sample collection, preparing Isolation and treatment centres and providing logistics for movement of commodities and patients and reporting to the various Covid-19 pillars.

According to him, only “17 States made data or sample submissions in the last cycle, where Lagos and Akwa Ibom States were the epicentres.

“Of particular concern is that the delta variant spreads more rapidly and has become predominant in many countries, being 93% of covid variants in the UK. I, therefore, renew my call to all Nigerians to improve on on observance of public health measures and non-pharmaceutic interventions, because they are the best protection we have till date, to prevent the spread of the variants.

“We are considering strategies to scale up testing and identify positive cases for isolation and treatment.”

“If you feel unwell, please report to the nearest testing centre to get the Covid-19 test,” he appealed.

Gatekeepers News reports that Ehanire further noted that less than “10% of beds in treatment centres are occupied and oxygen supply is assured, as we continue to build up oxygen capacity.

“Nevertheless, all treatment centres have been put on alert to receive cases especially in the face of the threat of the third wave, as we continue to train community volunteers and intensive care experts, to support our response.

“To strengthen home-based care among those who are Covid-19 positive, but mild or no symptoms, we developed a training manual for Home-Based Isolation & Care, which includes Mental Health & Psychosocial Support. The manual can also be useful for those in Quarantine.”