COVID-19 Delta variant discovered in Ibadan

The Oyo State Coronavirus Task Force says it has uncovered the Delta variant of the virus in the state.

This was disclosed in a statement by Taiwo Adisa, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, issued on behalf of the task force on Sunday in Ibadan.

Mr Adisa said the state’s incident manager and coordinator of the Emergency Operations Centre, Olabode Ladipo, confirmed the development.

He urged the public to be more careful and consistently apply all precautionary measures provided by the task force.

“This strain has been associated with high transmission, increase the severity of infection and outcomes. As such, this is to warn that the virus is still very much within society.

“All in-bound travellers should always isolate for seven days and submit themselves for tests. The ‘Own Your Action’ (OYA) initiative of the state government should be seriously considered by adhering to the guidelines of wearing nose masks in public gatherings, washing of hands with soap and water, and use of hand sanitisers, among others,” said the statement.

The task force appealed to residents to comply with “these and other advisories.”

It added, “It would be appreciated if all in-bound travellers from abroad maintain the mandatory seven-day isolation and subsequent testing before mingling with the populace. In addition, residents are enjoined to seek medical care and seize the opportunity of free testing whenever they feel unwell.

“Vigilance on the parts of both the government and the people will surely go a long way in stemming the transmission of this disease within the state.”

The NCDC on July 8 confirmed the index case of the deadly Delta variant in Nigeria.

(NAN)