The Federal government has placed 14 countries on watch list as part of measures to prevent a possible spread of the new COVID-19 variant.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, who made this known via his Twitter account on Wednesday, said the measure became necessary following the discovery of variants from banned countries within the country.

“The affected countries are Canada, USA, France, Germany, Netherlands, Togo, Ghana, Cameroon, Angola, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.

“Nigerians returning from lesser hajj would have to undergo a compulsory seven-day self-isolation.

“The state will not hesitate to prosecute anyone, irrespective of status, who fails to comply with the directive.

“The state has, however, developed a five-pillar strategy for curbing a potential third wave in Lagos.

“These include ensuring that all travelers carry out COVID-19 tests while we also introduce PCR tests to determine variants and mandatory seven-day quarantine,” he said.