Recall that the World Health Organisation (WHO) described the variant as deadlier and “most transmissible.”

The State Incident Manager and coordinator of the Emergency Operations Centre, Dr. Olabode Ladipo made the announcement, stating that there is need for the general public to take extra caution.

Residents were warned against letting the guards down as it might have dangerous consequences. All inbound travellers have also been directed to always isolate for seven days and submit themselves for tests.

A statement issued on Sunday night by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa read “This strain has been associated with high transmission, increase severity of infection and outcomes. As such, this is to warn that the virus is still very much within the society.  The ‘Own Your Action’ (OYA) initiative of the State Government should be seriously considered by adhering to the guidelines of wearing nose and mouth masks in public gatherings, washing of hands with soap and water and use of hand sanitisers, among others. The Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force hereby appeals to the good people of Oyo State to comply with these and other advisories as they apply to individuals and organisations. It would be appreciated if all in-bound travellers from overseas maintain the mandatory seven-day isolation and subsequent testing before mingling with the populace.”

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) disclosed this in a statement on Thursday night.

The NCDC, however, assured Nigerians that the Federal Government has put measures in place to combat the disease, asking them to adhere to the recommended safety protocols.

“The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has detected a confirmed case with the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant, also known as lineage B.1.617.2.”

“The variant was detected in a traveler to Nigeria, following the routine travel test required of all international travelers and genomic sequencing at the NCDC National Reference Laboratory, Abuja.”

“Proven public health and social measures such as physical distancing, frequent
handwashing, and proper use of face masks, prevent infections and save lives,” it added.

“The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective and offers protection against the disease.”

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Delta variant has an increased transmissibilty, and has raised concerns across the globe.

It has also been detected in over 90 countries and is expected to spread to more nations.

“The variant has also been linked to a surge in cases in countries where it is the dominant strain in circulation,” the NCDC explained. “There are ongoing studies to understand the impact of the variant on existing vaccines and therapeutics.”

Director-General of the GHS, Patrick Kuma-Aboagye said during the latest national COVID-19 update, 136 out of 550 samples taken among students in Achimota School came out positive.

The DG said three students from the school went to the hospital last month with symptoms of influenza but ended up testing positive for COVID-19.

“Subsequently, other symptomatic students and contacts were identified, listed and tested for COVID-19.

“However, majority of the students, who tested positive, are day students,’’ he added.

“We are doing the strategic testing of day students so that the infection does not spill into the community.’’

Ghana first confirmed six cases of COVID-19 Delta variants among passengers arriving in the country on June 22.