Following the outbreak of Coronavirus outbreak in Abuja, the
Minister of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Malam Muhammad Bello, has ordered
the closure of shops in markets and neigbhourhood centers to traders across
Abuja.
Bello explained that the measure was to help tackle the
spread of COVID-19 across FCT.
He, however, stated that only shops selling essential
products and bakeries are to remain open but should abide strictly to laid down
measures.
The Minister issued the order during a press briefing
yesterday in Abuja and was contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press
Secretary, Anthony Ogunleye.
Bello stated that the Federal Capital Territory Administration,
FCTA, was preparing multiple health isolation and treatment centres across the
territory to better manage cases of the COVID-19 pandemic in the FCT.
Bello disclosed that the FCT Administration has been working
“very closely with the University Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada to expand the
capacity of the current isolation and treatment centre at that location so that
it would be able to accommodate more patients by providing needed essential
facilities.”
He further disclosed that the Zuba General Hospital would
also be converted into an isolation and treatment centre to accommodate more
patients, should the need arise. Other treatment centers are also being
prepared, the Minister said.
Other measures to curtail the spread of the virus include
the “closure of shops in markets and neighborhood centers to traders except
those who sell essential commodities and medicines. Pharmacies and supermarkets
selling essential products and bakeries are however to remain open but should
abide by strictly laid down measures,” Malam Bello said.
Bello also disclosed that Civil servants in the FCTA on
grade level 12 and below have also been directed to remain at home starting
from Tuesday, 23rd March 2020 till further notice.
He, however, stated that all workers on grade level 12 and
below on essential duties such as water supply, fire service, security and
medical services, emergency response officers as well as environmental
protection workers are exempted from the stay- at-home directive.
He also said that as part of implementing the social
distance measures, the FCTA will enforce a ban on all gatherings in public
parks, gardens, bars, night clubs and football viewing centers amongst others
until further notice.
Bello, therefore, advised FCT residents to monitor the news
channels often as updates on the FCT’s response would be broadcast and
published periodically.
The FCT Minister urged Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
and individuals that desire to provide support for the fight against COVID 19
to liaise with the Coordinating response Team under the office of the
Honourable Minister of State.
Speaking on compliance of earlier directive on the ban on
gatherings of more than 50 people, the Minister appreciated the leadership of
Muslim and Christian organisations for their cooperation in ensuring
compliance.
While calling on residents to remain calm and refrain from
panic buying, Malam Bello also called for discipline among FCT residents,
stressing that all protocols of behavior as indicated by relevant health
authorities should be thoroughly observed.
He said, “Containing this virus requires and depends very
heavily on personal choices of being disciplined, of being able to follow
established protocols of behavior as indicated by relevant health authorities.
That is why it remains very critical for every citizen to follow laid health
and safety protocols so that jointly, we will be able to conquer this disease.”
Meanwhile, the National Centre for Disease Control, NCDC,
had disclosed that the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Nigeria now stands
at 46.
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