Thirty-two Delta variant cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) have been reported in five states across the country.
The Director-General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control NCDC, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, stated this, during the resumed briefing of the Presidential Steering Committee on Monday in Abuja.
According to him, Ninteen of the cases were reported in Akwa Ibom State.
Dr Ihekweazu listed Lagos, Cross River,Oyo and as well the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as the epicentre of delta covid -19 in the country.
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Since the outbreak of the disease that has claimed millions of lives globally, health experts have continued to watch certain coronavirus mutations and variants that have become more contagious and deadlier than the original strain.
Among such strains, the B.1.617.2. (Delta) variant has become a major source of worry in recent times as a result of its rapid increase in several countries, including the United States and Nigeria
Speaking, The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, who was also present at the briefing, advised Nigerians against traveling to Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Oyo, Cross Rivers, Kano, Plateau and the FCT during this period, except when it was absolutely necessary.
He explained that it was important to discourage such travels because of the surge of the virus within the states of concern.
Similarly,The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Faisal Shuaib, also assured Nigerians that the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is very effective, with up to 74 per cent efficacy against the Delta variant.
RN