Residents’ complete disdain for the precautionary measures put in place to contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic has been condemned by the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
This comes after the administration announced that the number of reported cases increased by 1,028 percent between November and December.
The administration stated that more resources, funding, and health workers had been dispatched to combat the virus in the region, but that this may not be enough if locals continue to ignore the regulations.
Dr. Abubakar Tafida, Secretary of the Health and Human Services Secretariat, made the announcement on Saturday.
He said, “The Federal Capital Territory Administration has observed with dismay the attitude of our people to adopt simple measures that offer protection against being infected by the COVID-19. The current upsurge in the COVID-19 cases is most likely being driven by the omicron variant that is much more transmissible than the other variants.
“The FCTA’s deployment of more resources – health workers, funds and materials – to control the disease can only be successful if the residents of the FCT play their part, especially during this festive period that has increased social interactions and travel.”
He described the rising instances in the FCT as concerning, adding that hospital admissions had also risen.
He said, “The current status of the COVID-19 in the FCT is worrisome. The cases so far in December as of 24th are 2,591 which is 1,028 per cent increase of the 252 cases confirmed in November 2021. In addition, hospital admissions for COVID-19 have increased by over 634 per cent from 35 in November to 222 so far in December.”
Also, the number of active cases being treated in the treatment centres and at private homes rose from 130 at the end of November to today’s figure of 2,352 (1,809 per cent) increase. About 25 per cent of all cases over the months were between 30 to 39 year olds. Unfortunately, all COVID-19 deaths in December 2021 have occurred in unvaccinated persons.”
He also revealed that the administration wanted to vaccinate at least 1.5 million citizens by January 31, 2022, with 283 vaccination teams stationed at public and private hospitals, marketplaces, religious institutions, shopping malls, and other venues.
He did stress, however, that as a precaution, the administration has outlawed street parties, nightclubs, and gatherings of more than 50 people in the FCT.
Taifida said, “Any gathering in excess of 50 people must be done in open spaces. Street parties are discouraged. All night clubs and related activities are banned during this period.
“Indoor religious congregations should be limited to 50 per cent capacity with full compliance to public health social measures such as physical distancing (two metres apart) and use of face masks, etc.
“The use of facemask and hand sanitizer for both the vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals at all times while in public spaces should be strictly adhered to.”
Leave a Comment