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The management of University of Lagos (UNILAG) has disclosed that the institution is being affected by what appears to be the start of a potential third wave of COVID-19.
The disclosure was contained in a ‘COVID-19 pandemic update,’ issued by the university after panic among students and staff over a information that a suspected case of Delta variant of the virus was reported on the varsity’s campus.
It was gathered that there is also a rise in the number of cases recorded in the institution’s hostels.
Though the varsity’s statement was silent on the suspected case of Delta variant reportedly recorded on campus, it confirmed that its medical centre has recorded an increase in the number of patients with COVID-19 symptoms.
The statement read: “The University of Lagos Medical Centre wishes to inform all members of the University of Lagos Community about what appears to be the start of a potential 3rd wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Lagos State.
“The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-olu, in his press statement issued on July 11, 2021, stated that since the beginning of July there has been a steep increase in the number of daily confirmed cases, with the test positivity rate going from 1.1% at the end of June 2021, to its current rate of 6.6% as at the 8th of July 2021. This is with a concurrent increase in the occupancy rate at Lagos State isolation centres.
“The University of Lagos community has also been affected by this potential 3rd wave, with an increase in the number of patients presented to the University of Lagos Medical Centre with flu-like symptoms which are similar to COVID-19.
“The Medical Centre hereby assures all members of the University community, that all necessary actions in line with the Federal and Lagos State Government guidelines have been taken regarding this potential threat in our community.
“The Medical Centre will also return to providing EMERGENCY ONLY SERVICES during this period, in order to protect all members of the community from potential infection within the facility. The Medical Centre Emergency Contact line: 09095879781 remains open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
“Despite this threat to the return of normalcy, pursuit of education and daily livelihood, it has become imperative once more to judiciously adhere to the following COVID-19 guidelines and protocols in order to curb the spread of this disease.”