FCT minister converts Zuba Hospital to isolation centre

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Muhammad Musa Bello, yesterday said the Zuba General Hospital would be converted to an isolation centre as part of measures to control coronavirus in the territory.

Addressing newsmen, Bello said the FCT Administration was working closely with the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital to expand the capacity of the Gwagwalada isolation and treatment centre. He reiterated that the ban on social gatherings of more than 50 persons was still in force; while he declared a partial shutdown of the FCTA/FCDA.

He ordered civil servants of grade level 12 and below to stay at home beginning yesterday; while those working in the frontline of essential services were still to report at work.

“In implementing the social distance measures, the FCTA has banned all gatherings in public parks, gardens, bars, night clubs, event and football viewing centres,” while commending religious leaders cooperating with the administration.

The minister urged the residents to remain calm and not panic buy as markets would still open to sell food and essential goods.

“Shops in the markets and neighbourhood centres in the FCT are to be shut to customers except those who sell essential commodities and medicines.

“However, pharmacies and supermarkets selling essential products and bakeries are to remain open but they should adhere strictly to laid down measures,” the minister added.

The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Bala Ciroma, said the command, in collaboration with other relevant security agencies, had deployed adequate personnel to ensure compliance with the ban on gatherings.

Director, FCT Call Centre, Jumai Ahmadu, asked residents to report any church, mosque, club, cinema or event centre violating restriction orders via toll free numbers; 08099936314, 08099936313.

Meanwhile, Markets and motor parks in Abuja yesterday recorded low turnout as residents observed the social distancing order for the control of the coronavirus.

Some of the big shopping malls visited by our correspondent were sighted screening customers.