Following the ease of lockdown in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as earlier directed by the president, Muhammadu Buhari in his last address to the nation, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has developed strict measures residents of the Territory must adopt as the partial lockdown takes effect Monday.
This is contained in a statement issued Saturday, by the Chief Press secretary of the FCT Minister, Anthony Ogunleye.
The FCT Minister declared that worship centers, schools, recreation centers, and other social gatherings would remain close for now.
He, however, said that residents who intend to go out and transact any business, must wear a face mask and observe the social distance, as recommended by the federal government.
Residents above 65 and others with various ailments that may make them vulnerable, were also urged to remain at home until the spread in the Territory is contained.
The Minister noted that residents of FCT who reside in neighboring states like Nasarawa, Niger, Kogi, and Kaduna, will not be allowed entry into Abuja until a ban on interstate movement is lifted.
He also revealed that security agencies have been mandated to through the mobile courts, arrest and prosecute, anyone found contravening the guidelines.
Bello explained that the FCT Administration will vigorously enforce the overnight curfew from 8:00 pm to 6:00 am.
He said in order to prevent possible patients of COVID-19 pandemic from coming into the Territory, the Administration will also enforce very strictly, the ban on interstate travel.
He, therefore, directed workers who reside outside the FCT to remain in their respective States of residence until the ban on interstate travel is lifted.
The statement reads: “Effective Monday, 4th May 2020, all civil servants in the FCT on Grade level 14 and above are to report for work 3 times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between the hours of 8 am and 2 pm.
“All officers on essential duties are to carry on with their assigned responsibilities. All workers are to maintain safe distancing protocols of at least 2 meters and wear face masks at all times.
“Temperature checks and hand sanitizing protocols should be strictly adhered to at all entry points and access to offices tightly controlled.
“Number of visitors and customers are to be limited to enforce social distancing guidelines. All workers who are not resident in the FCT are directed to remain in their respective States of residence until the ban on interstate travel is lifted,” the statement further read.
Bello said “Extant guidelines on market operations for the sale of food items only remain in effect. Markets are to operate for two days in a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm.
Neighborhood selling points will be established in various parts of the city to decongest the major markets. Wearing a face mask is mandatory to gain access to markets in addition to hand washing and sanitizing protocols.
“The above hygiene-related protocols are also applicable to supermarkets and neighborhood markets. Banks are to open between the hours of 8:00 am and 2:00 pm and are to observe temperature checks, hand sanitizing protocols as well as the use of face masks for staff and customers. Banks are to limit access by customers to allow for safe distancing reasons and limit the number of staff working on their premises to between 30% and 50%. Residents are encouraged to patronize online banking services as much as possible.
Extant rules regulating restaurants and eateries remain in effect. Restaurants are not open to the public and are encouraged to adopt home delivery services. Similarly, entries are to practice the take-away system and are to maintain all hand sanitizing, face covering, and safe distancing protocols.
“Pharmacies may remain open overnight and are to observe all other protocols as enunciated above. Companies involved in food processing, drug manufacturing, and construction can commence operation, subject to following the approved health and safety guidelines“Operators of these facilities are mandated to refuse access to anyone not observing the hygiene protocols.”
He added that “the extent directive on places of worship still subsists and they remain closed.“All clubs, bars, gardens, beer parlors, recreational parks, communal sports facilities, movie theatres, etc in the FCT remain closed.
“Prohibition of commercial motorcycles within the FCT remain in force including Kubwa and Dutse Alhaji.
” Tricycles are to limit their activities to areas already designated and are allowed a maximum of 3 persons (driver and two passengers)“Taxis are mandated to carry a maximum of 4 persons at a time (driver and 3 persons). Buses are to reduce occupancy at any time to 50% of installed capacity.
“All bus stops and motor parks are to maintain environmental hygiene and officials of the parks and bus and taxi operators should provide temperature checks and hand sanitizing points at the parks and bus stops. Face covering is also mandatory. They are to operate only between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm daily.”
He said the FCT Administration will enforce very strictly, the ban on interstate travel.
He said vehicles conveying goods such as agro products, petroleum products, medical supplies, relief, and construction materials as well as courier and security services would be allowed entry subject to the permitted designation in the FCT.
“All schools in the FCT remain closed until further notice. Schools are not permitted to commence third term operations in any form until directed otherwise by the relevant authorities.
“Schools are however encouraged to continue with e-learning and virtual teachings.
“Residents are once more reminded that COVID-19 can be fatal and all are hereby advised to take all prescribed measures to avoid contracting it. Persons with underlying medical conditions especially hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and low immunity are advised to remain at home. Equally, Persons 65 years and older are also advised to remain at home.“
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