FG shuts Abuja parks amid COVID-19 fresh wave

Fearing a resurgence of COVID-19 instances, the federal government has locked down various parks in Abuja’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) said that it was increasing surveillance at recreational facilities across the territory to verify that COVID-19 protocols were followed.

This was revealed on Wednesday during a monitoring exercise at the Abuja Millennium Park by Ikharo Attah, the Head, Media and Publicity of the FCT Ministerial Committee on COVID-19 Enforcement.

Mr. Attah stated that the administration will not relax its grip on the devastating illness.

While residents, particularly Muslims, have the right to a full recreational complement throughout the holiday, the administration is responsible for preserving a healthy atmosphere, he said.

While compliance with the COVID-19 procedures was evident in the city center, it was significantly less so in the satellite towns and most of the interior areas, he added.

“From what we saw on Tuesday at the Mosques during the prayers, there was compliance, particularly at the main city mosques.

“We saw few washing points and people using hand sanitizers, but in the suburbs, it may not be the same,” he said. The Unity Fountain is locked. Millennium and Jabi parks are also locked.”

Mr. Attah further said that the FCT police commissioner had directed divisional police officers to ensure that no parks were open in their jurisdictions.

“The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Muhammad Bello, has urged citizens to assist in the fight against COVID-19, particularly the dreaded third wave.

Mr. Attah stated, “The minister is ready to open up entirely whenever we are able to overcome the infection.”