The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, on Tuesday, 22nd December 2020, chaired an emergency COVID-19 meeting as part of efforts to contain the spread of the second wave of the pandemic in the Territory.
The meeting was informed that the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 in its briefing, had described the FCT as one of the epicenters in this second wave.
The reason for the surge was ascribed to the lack of compliance with non-pharmaceutical interventions by residents especially facial coverings in public, physical distancing and hand hygiene.
Taking into consideration the surge in COVID-19 cases in the FCT, the PTF Guidelines issued on Tuesday December 21, and the authorization of President Muhammadu Buhari that subnationals should assume full ownership of this stage of the response against COVID-19, the FCT Administration hereby issues the following guidelines:
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 the capacity of use during which physical distancing; mandatory use of face masks and hand hygiene is to be strictly enforced.
Events of more than 50 persons are to be held outdoors only and virtual meetings are strongly encouraged.
Public transportation systems are to carry passengers not more than 50% of their capacity in compliance with social distancing rules.
All employees of the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the 6 Area Councils of the FCT on GL 12 and below are to work from home for the next 5 weeks.
The heads of the various Secretariats, Departments, and Agencies are to be responsible for compliance; and all schools in the FCT are to remain on vacation until at least the 18th of January 2021.
All non-essential travels within and outside the FCT are highly discouraged and residents above 60 years old with comorbidities such as hypertension and diabetes are strongly advised to remain indoors.
The Abuja Market Management Limited and the various market associations should work together to ensure compliance of all the guidelines on facial coverings, hand hygiene and physical distancing. The FCT Administration will not hesitate to close down any market or business premises found in contravention of these guidelines.
As resolved in its stakeholders meeting held on the 14th of December 2020, the FCT Administration remains committed to enforcing all COVID-19 guidelines as issued.
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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.
Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe
