The Federal Government on Sunday advised Nigerians against non-essential local and international travels during the festive period as COVID-19 cases continued to rise in the country.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control gave the advice in its latest COVID-19 situation report on Sunday as the Lagos State Government vowed to get tough with violators of compulsory tests for international inbound passengerers.
Also, officials of states including Bauchi, Ogun and Kano said, they would intensify measures to ensure compliance with safety protocols and mass vaccination.
They stated this as COVID-19 cases in the country increased by 761.45 per cent within two weeks.
Amid the surging cases, the NCDC advised Nigerians on non-essential international and local travels during the festive period.
Between November 21 and December 4, the country recorded 1,035 cases of the virus.
But between December 5 and December 18, 8,916 cases were recorded representing 761.45 per cent over the previous two weeks.
The NCDC confirmed in its latest report that no fewer than 845 passengers tested positive within one week.
According to the disease control agency, the country has continued to witness a surge in the number of travellers who test positive for the coronavirus both at the point of entry and at the point of departure.
The centre noted that while in epidemiological week 48, a total of 235 passengers tested positive, the centre added that the figures increased in week 49 when the total of 845 passengers tested positive.
According to the NCDC, the omicron may also lead to several other mutations.
It said, “The spread of COVID-19 variants of concern including the Omicron variant may lead to a surge in cases globally due to mutations which could give the SARS-CoV-2 virus a specific advantage such as increased transmissibility, the possibility of more severe illness or evasion of tests currently used for the detection of COVID-19.
“Importantly, this holiday season, we advise everyone to avoid non-essential travel, both international and national while research is ongoing to better understand Omicron and its impact on the national and global response to COVID-19.”
