COVID-19: Amid second wave, FCTA vows to prosecute violators of safety guidelines

The federal capital territory administration (FCTA), says it will embark on rigorous enforcement of all COVID-19 safety guidelines following the nation’s entry into the second wave of infections.

In a statement on Friday, signed by Anthony Ogunleye, the administration’s chief press secretary, the FCTA raised concerns about the rising number of positive cases in the city.

According to the statement, Mohammad Bello (pictured), the FCT minister, is quoted as saying the number of cases recorded in the last 3 weeks are unacceptably high.

He added that this was because the residents of the territory have stopped complying with the recommended safety guidelines.

“Our recorded figures over the last 3 weeks have been unacceptably high and there is an urgent need to contain it as much and as fast as possible,” he said.

The capital territory recorded 255 positive cases out of the 806 new cases announced by the NCDC on Friday.

Bello said the enforcement teams will work closely with the mobile court system set up to prosecute violators of the safety guidelines.

He urged citizens not to let down their guard as they celebrate the festive season.

The minister then revealed some guidelines put in place to curb the spread of the virus.

Below are the guidelines:

i. The Abuja Market Management Limited and the various market associations should work together to carry out sensitization activities and also ensure compliance of all extant health protocols.

ii. All extant regulations issued as conditions for re-opening of places of worship on the 4th of June 2020 still subsists and heads of the various congregations are to ensure compliance.

iii. All extant regulations guiding the operations of entertainment and recreational centers still subsists and operators of such places are enjoined to ensure strict compliance.

iv. Public transportation facilities such as buses taxis and tricycles must also obey all already established protocols.

Other COVID -19 guidelines in offices and business premises are;

i. Mandatory temperature checks must be carried out on all employees and customers entering office and business premises in the FCT.

ii. No mask, No entry, No service – all staff members, visitors and customers entering workplaces, shops or business premises must wear a face mask that should cover the mouth and nose.

iii. All office and business premises must have a handwashing station with running water and soap or hand sanitizer.

iv. Restrict all physical meetings and instead opt for virtual meetings, whenever possible.

v. Office, shops and business premises must be well-ventilated and cleaned regularly throughout the day.

vi. Employees who are feeling unwell or have COVID-19 symptoms, should notify their supervisor immediately, or stay at home and seek medical attention to confirm diagnosis, by doing a COVID19 test.