FCT Bans Operation Of Night Clubs, Bars, Others For 5 Weeks

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has witnessed rising cases of covid-19 and the authorities have declared ban on operation of recreational centres including night clubs and bars for five weeks.

The directive was contained in a new guideline issued by the FCT Administration (FCTA) and signed by its spokesperson, Tony Ogunleye, on Wednesday.

The FCT has recorded over 10,000 cases since the outbreak of the virus and is now at the top of states with the highest number of cases alongside Lagos.

Recall that the FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello, while issuing new guidelines on Tuesday said the rise in FCT cases was due to the lack of compliance with non-pharmaceutical interventions by residents.

The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 in its briefing also ascribed the rising cases in the FCT to lack of compliance with facial coverings in public, physical distancing and hand hygiene.

The statement by the FCTA read: “All bars, night clubs, pubs, events and recreational venues in the FCT are to remain closed for the next five weeks;

“All restaurants, except those providing services to hotel residents; takeaways, home deliveries and drive-ins are to remain closed;

“All informal and formal festivity events including weddings, conferences, congresses, office parties, concerts, seminars, sporting activities, end of year events etc in the FCT are restricted to not more than 50 persons;

“Facilities for religious events are restricted to less than 50% of capacity of use during which physical distancing; mandatory use of face masks and hand hygiene is to be strictly enforced.”

The FCTA also discouraged all non-essential travels within and outside the FCT while asking residents above 60 years old with ailments such as hypertension and diabetes to remain indoors

And for the market management, the FCTA advised that all guidelines must be observed as it will not hesitate to close down any market or business premises found in contravention of these guidelines.

“Enforcement teams have been mandated to carry out the arrest of violators and prosecute them through the mobile courts’ system

“Residents are enjoined to comply fully with all health and safety protocols to help curtail the spread of the virus in the FCT,” the statement said.