Breaking: COVID-19: FCT Minister orders partial closure of markets, total shutdown of religious centres

…permits sell of only essential commodities, drugs

In a bid to curb the spread of the global pandemic COVID-19, the FCT Minister, Mohammad Bello, has ordered partial closure of markets to traders even as he reiterated the total shutdown of all religious centres in the territory.

The Minister during a Press briefing today, said while it remains critical for every citizen to follow laid down health and safety protocols as established by the relevant health authorities, “we cannot emphasize enough how dangerous this disease is and that is why the mandatory closure of all schools and restriction of gatherings of not more than 50 people was issued last week.”

He also disclosed that as part of measures for the implementing of social distance, the FCTA also bans all gatherings in public parks, gardens, bars, night clubs, event and football viewing centers amongst others until further notice.

“As part of implementing the social distance measures, the FCTA heteby bans all gatherings in public parks, gardens, bars, night clubs, event and football viewing centers amongst others until further notice

“The FCT Administration hereby appreciates the leadership of both Christian and Muslim organisations in the FCT for their support and cooperation in ensuring compliance to this directive. Accordingly, all places of worship are to remain closed.

“Shops in the markets and neighbourhood centres in the FCT are to be shut to traders except those who sell essential commodities and medicines. However, Pharmacies and supermarkets and supermarkets selling essential products and bakeries are to remain open but abide by strictly by laid down measures.”

Speaking further, Malam Bello also said that in order to better manage cases of infection in the nation’s Capital, the FCTA will work closely work with the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital to expand the capacity of the current Isolation and treatment Center to accommodate more patients by providing the essential facilities.

He also disclosed that the Zuba General Hospital will also be converted into an Isolation and Treatment Center to accommodate more patients should the need arise, adding that other isolation and treatment facilities are also being prepared.

“In order to contain this virus and curtail Its spread, the FCT Administration has taken the decision to enforce a stay at home policy for all Its civil servants on grade level 01-12 from today, Tuesday, March 24, till further notice.

“However, all workers from grade level 01-12 on essential duties such as Water supply, fire service security, medical services, environmental protection, emergency services, FEMA, and others are exempted from the stay-at-home policy.”

He however urged residents to remain calm, avoid panic buying and continue to obey all laid clown measures even as they monitor the news channels often as updates on the FCT’s response will be broadcast and published periodically.