Fear of third wave heightens as Nigeria records 12 new cases

NIGERIA yesterday recorded 12 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 as fears about a third wave triggered by the Delta variant of the virus heighten.

  According to data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, two deaths were also recorded on Sunday.

  Till date, 168,552 cases have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with 2,124 deaths

  Sunday’s new cases were reported from three states; Akwa Ibom (6), Ogun (4), and Rivers (2).

  Meanwhile, state governments have warned that the number of new cases may soon spike as the Delta variant surfaces.

  Scientists believe the variant is more contagious and deadlier.

  On Thursday, the NCDC confirmed Nigeria’s first case of the variant in Delta State and Oyo State said on Sunday it had recorded another.

  In a statement on Sunday, the Lagos State Government raised the alarm of a possible third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and imposed restrictions and sanctions.