The Government of Ekiti State has on Saturday alerted all residents in the state on the presence of the Delta variant of COVID-19 virus in Nigeria.

The government said the Delta variant of the deadly virus is capable of severely impacting infected persons within a short time and as well resist antibodies in the blood, among other worrisome attributes.

In a statement jointly signed by Commissioner for Health, Dr Oyebanji Filani; and the Coordinator, COVID-19 Response Task Force, Prof. Mobolaji Aluko, titled, ‘Ekiti responds to confirmed case of Delta variant of COVID-19 in Nigeria,’ said that WHO described the variant as the “most transmissible variant”, with the ability to go undetected in many hosts without the typical symptoms, yet severely impacting other infected persons within a short time.

They urged Ekiti people to remain vigilant and cautious to ensure that we do not suffer the same fate in Ekiti State and in our country.

The statement reads, “All indigenes and residents of Ekiti State are hereby informed that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has now confirmed the presence of the Delta variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in Nigeria, described by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the most transmissible variant, with the ability to go undetected in many hosts without the typical symptoms, yet severely impacting other infected persons within a short time. It is also reported that the variant can resist antibodies in the blood, amongst other worrisome attributes.

“This development is a source of grave concern, because the arrival of the variant in about 100 other countries globally, has so far resulted in a surge in positive cases through community transmission of the dominant strain, as well as increased hospitalisations and mortalities. More so, WHO data show that for seven consecutive weeks, Africa has recorded a consistent increase in COVID-19 cases.

“Consequently, most affected countries have reinforced extensive mitigative restrictions and travel bans, as their healthcare systems struggle to cope with the devastating third wave of the pandemic. We must remain vigilant and cautious to ensure that we do not suffer the same fate in Ekiti State and in our country.

“Accordingly, the Ekiti State Covid-19 Response Task Force is set to heighten surveillance, and the strict enforcement of all existing measures aimed at containing the pandemic in the state. All indigenes and residents are hereby enjoined to adhere to the government’s public health advisories and regulations in our collective interests.

“We must not relent in the practice of preventive measures such as the proper use of masks in public gatherings, maintenance of hand hygiene through proper handwashing or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and social distancing.

“The Government of Ekiti State will continue to work closely with the Federal Government and her agencies, as well as our development partners, to prevent the spread of this disease, no matter the strain. One of such ways is through the implementation of a phased vaccination campaign which remains the most effective means of curbing this pandemic, and which should be embraced by all. We therefore encourage members of the public to seize the opportunity to receive their vaccine doses once the next phase commences.

“We however warn that, vaccinated or not, we must not let our guards down, especially as the season of cultural festivals and social events is upon us in our dear state.”