By Daniel Tyokua
The minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Malam Mohammad Bello has issued new guidelines on measures to take in the fight against the increasing cases of coronavirus in Abuja.
He said commercial activities in the
nation’s capital especially shop owners are to open by 6am and close 9pm, residents are to stop eating in restaurant to avoid the
transmission, rather food should be packaged and taken home.
The minister explained that shops and places where essential services like food items and drugs are being sold will remain open, but should adhere strictly to the laid down rules.
“These guidelines are to assist the government and residents control the increasing cases of COVID-19 in the territory”
Bello explained that as part of efforts to ensure social distancing people are advised to always buy food and take it home.
He stated this after meeting with the FCT officials and security agencies to review measures put in place by the administration in view of the pandemic.
The minister explained that the measures were approved following the new cases of COVID-19 being recorded by the Nigeria centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Abuja.
Bello also directed that all commercial vehicles especially motor park operators in the territory should provide washing hands liquid
with hand sanitizers in the parks.
“All motor park operators and motorists should provide hand sanitizers with water for frequent washing of hands by their passengers.
According to him, “Abuja residents
should continue to emphasize on personal hygiene, and stop practices that will put their lives in danger” he said.
The minister commended religious leaders and their fellowers in FCT for complying to government directives on social gatherings, saying the initiative would help curb the spread of the disease.
To ensure compliance, Bello has set up an enforcement team to be checking and monitoring the development across the city.
He however opened COVID-19 situation room with toll free numbers for residents to report emergency cases, if they are.
