FCTA Preparing Multiple Centres To Contain Coronavirus – Minister

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has said it is preparing multiple health isolation and treatment centres, in a bid to better manage cases of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the city.

Minister of the FCT, Muhammad Musa Bello disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing in Abuja.

According to Bello, 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.

A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary of FCTA, Anthony Ogunleye, said the minister 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.

The minister, the statement added,  said other treatment centres are also being prepared.

“Other measures to curtail the spread of the virus include the closure of shops in markets and neibourhood centres to traders except those who sell essential commodities and medicines,” the statement reads briefly.

“Pharmacies and supermarkets selling essential products and bakeries are however to remain open but should abide by strictly laid down measures the Malam Bello said.

“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.

“However, according to the Minister, 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 event and football viewing centers amongst others until further notice,” it reads.

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 minister of state.

He appreciated Muslim and Christian organisations for the cooperation in ensuring compliance with government earlier directive on the ban of gatherings of more than 50 people.

While calling on residents to remain calm and refrain from panic buying, Bello also charged FCT residents to exhibit discipline, stressing that all protocols of behaviour as indicated by relevant health authorities should be thoroughly observed.

The statement said Minister of State, Ramatu Tijani Aliyu explained that a team from the FCTA had embarked on advocacy visits to the Area Councils to educate the populace on the need for personal hygiene as well as constant hand washing with soap and water.
 
Since the outbreak of the virus in country in February, Nigeria has recorded 44 cases of the disease, with one death.