AN APPRAISAL OF THE OMICRON VARIANT OF COVID-19 IN NIGERIA

AN APPRAISAL OF THE OMICRON VARIANT OF COVID-19 IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined the omicron form of Covid-19 in Nigeria, using the Lagos State Ministry of Health as a case study. To accomplish this, substantial research objectives were developed. This study used a survey design with simple random sampling procedures. The population consists of staff from the Lagos State Ministry of Health. When choosing the sample size, the researcher readily chose 56 respondents, of whom 55 were received and 50 validated. Data was collected using a self-constructed and verified questionnaire. The collected and validated surveys were examined using frequency tables and mean scores. The data show that Nigeria has a significant incidence of the omicron form of covid 19. The findings also revealed that the Omicron variant of covid-19 has a significant impact on economic activity in Nigeria, and measures implemented to combat the spread of the Omicron variant of covid-19 in Nigeria include travel bans, movement restrictions, strict quarantine laws, and compulsory vaccination. According to the findings, the study recommends deploying an effective PCR kit capable of detecting the new B.1.1.529 variant in all laboratories; deploying a fast testing kit at the entry point that can detect the new B.1.1529 variant for any suspected case; and implementing efficient contact tracing (using technology) for all incoming passengers into the country.

Chapter one

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The coronavirus disease 2019 (covid-19), found in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, has rapidly spread to nearly every corner of the planet Lorfa (2020). The disorder is caused by Coronavirus 2, a unique and severe strain of coronavirus (sarscov-2)[1].

The coronavirus has caused not just disruptions in routine socioeconomic activities, but also sickness and mortality due to its high contagiousness.

Because there is no widely accepted pharmacological cure, other than the development of vaccinations, prophylactic measures that counsel against illnesses and limit sickness transmission may be the most effective form of prophylaxis [2].

Although vaccinations have been developed and given, the virus continues to mutate. According to the World Health Organization[4], there have been several variations of the virus, the most recent being the omicron variety.

On November 24, 2021, the World Health Organisation got information of a new strain of SARS-CoV-2, B.1.1.529 (WHO). This new variant was discovered in specimens collected in Botswana on November 11, 2021 and South Africa on November 14, 2021 [4].