Deadly COVID-19 Strain Found In UK Now In Nigeria – FG

The presidential task force (PTF) on COVID-19 says the COVID-19 strain first reported in the United Kingdom, which is deadlier than the first, has been found in Nigeria.

Boss Mustapha, PTF chairman and secretary to the government of the federation, made the disclosure at the PTF briefing in Abuja, on Monday.

He said scientists found the variant in Nigeria after a long time of sequencing.

He appealed to all Nigeria to abide by all non-pharmaceutical protocols and stay safe.

“Over the last few weeks, the PTF has been closely following the rising number of infections reported daily in Nigeria and other jurisdictions,” he said.

“Similarly, our scientists have been sequencing the variants of the virus. There have been reports of cases with the B117 variant strain, first reported in the UK, found in Nigeria.

“The PTF, therefore, wishes to appeal strongly to all Nigerians to take responsibility and stay very safe. In this regard, I also wish to remind all parents, grandparents, everyone with underlying factors and particularly school proprietors that all precautionary measures must be taken at home and in the schools when managing the pupils and students.

He noted that the PTF will continue to work with the federal ministry of education on issues of schools reopening.

“The management of cases is gradually improving with the availability of medical oxygen. Government is also fast-tracking the rehabilitation of existing plants and construction of new ones as approved by the president.”

The UK variant known as B.1.1.7 is said to be deadlier than the original strain.

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