Thirty-two cases of Delta variant coronavirus have been reported in five states across the country.
This was disclosed by the Director-General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, at the resumed briefing of the Presidential Steering Committee on Monday in Abuja.
He said 19 of the cases were reported in Akwa Ibom State.
He said Lagos, Cross River, and Oyo states as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), were the other places where at least one case of the Delta variant of COVID-19 has been confirmed in the country.
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.
The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, who was also present at the briefing, raised concerns about the Delta variant of the virus.
Ehanire advised Nigerians against travelling to Lagos, Akwa Ibom, Oyo, Cross Rivers, Kano, Plateau and the FCT during this period, except when it was absolutely necessary.
