By Daniel Tyokua
The minister of the Federal Capital Territory ,FCT, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello yesterday, disclosed that out of the 48 coronavirus patients being treated at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, 7 have been cured.
In a statement signed by the minister, 39 patients who are still on admission would soon be discharged.
He said since the outbreak of the first COVID-19 case in the FCT, he has been kept abreast on the condition of the patients.
“I am delighted to announce that the first set of patients, totaling seven, have been discharged after their final tests results returned negative.
“Also, our dedicated and exceptional medical staff are doing their best to ensure the recovery and discharge of the remaining 39 patients.
“We cannot thank them enough for their efforts and we will always continue to encourage and support them,” Bello said.
The minister, who commended the health personnel for their dedication to duty in spite of the pandemic, also appreciated the level of compliance so far exhibited by FCT residents with regards to the 14-day restriction of movement as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari.
He explained that the restriction was necessitated by the need to contain the spread of the virus within FCT communities to safeguard lives.
“The level of compliance from residents, is proof that we all understand the magnitude of the challenge before us and we are ready to come together to fight this enemy, so we can return to our normal way of life as quickly as possible.
“Let me also remind our residents that the FCTA is fully committed to fighting this Pandemic. We are not sparing any resources at our disposal in ensuring effective containment of the virus, and also in protecting the welfare of our people.
“As long as we remain united in this fight, we will surely emerge victoriously,” he said.
According to the statement, Bello said as part of measures put in place to curtail spread of COVID-19 pandemic, an emergency call centre was fully operational 24/7 on the following numbers: 08099936312, 08099936313 and 112.
He said that to support the effort of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, a collection centre had been established and can be reached on the following numbers: 09062433363, 09062433565.
“Finally, I will like to enjoin everyone of us to continue to diligently abide by the COVID-19 preventive guidelines.
“May I also reiterate that any breach of this guideline by any person(s), will be considered a danger to Public Health interest and will be dealt with as such, under the provision of the law.
“Fighting COVID-19 together is our collective goal and responsibility,” he said.
