Abuja faces partial lockdown as coronavirus cases rise to 7
Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has announced measures that translate into partial lockdown of the nation’s capital city, as cases of the coronavirus hit seven.
The minister who addressed newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja said that all gatherings in public parks, gardens, bars, night clubs, event and football viewing centres amongst others are banned till further notice.
He added that schools and all places of worship, including churches and Mosques would remain closed, even as restriction of gatherings of not more than 50 people.
“Shops in markets and neighborhood centers in the FCT are to be shut to traders except those who sell essential commodities and medicines. However, pharmacies and supermarkets selling essential products and bakeries are to remain open but abide strictly by laid down measures,” Bello said.
The FCT minister warned that the stay-at-home policy will be strictly enforced, especially for the FCT civil servants on grade level 01-12.
“However, all workers from grade level 01-12 on essential duties such as water supply, fire service, security, medical services, environmental protection, emergency services, FERMA and others are exempted from the stay-at-home police,” he said.
Emphasising that Emergency Response Team has been put in place to tackle the pandemic in all ramifications in the capital territory, he said, “In order to better manage cases of infection, the FCTA will work closely with the University Teaching Hospital to expand the capacity of the current isolation and treatment center to accommodate more patients by providing the essential facilities.
“The Zuba General Hospital will also be converted into an isolation and treatment center to accommodate more patients should the need arise. Other isolation and treatment facilities are being prepared.”
The minister however urged residents of the FCT to remain calm and to avoid panic buying “and continue to obey all laid down measures.”
(Greenbarge Reporters)