The House of Representatives yesterday urged the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, as well as other relevant government agencies to intensify surveillance at the nation’s international borders and points of entry to check the possible outbreak of the new COVID-19 variant announced recently by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
The House asked the government to provide thermal machines, infrared thermometers for temperature screening, and deploy personnel to conduct screening and quarantine services on all inbound passengers.
Adopting a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Uyime Idem (PDP, Akwa Ibom), the House asked the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare as well as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to adequately inform the Nigerian public on the XEC variant.
Read Also: Agusto & Co upgrades Unitrust Insurance Company’s rating to A-
The Green Chamber suggested that all health authorities should activate heightened alert systems in monitoring and consequently reporting any suspected cases.
Idem said the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on global public health and economies, including Nigeria, stressing that though Nigeria had made significant strides in combating the first strain of the pandemic, there was a need to remain vigilant and proactive in the face of emerging threats.
The lawmaker recalled that the WHO recently issued a global alert over the XEC variant, with similar symptoms to the former strain.