The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued COVID–19 protection enforcement measures for the Christmas and New Year celebrations in the territory.
The Secretary of FCTA Health and Human Services Secretariat, Dr Abubakar Tafida, issued the measures in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.
He said the administration had observed with dismay the attitude of people to adopt simple measures that offer protection against being infected by the COVID-19.
He said the current status of the COVID-19 in the FCT was worrisome, adding that the cases so far on Dec. 24, “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,” Tafida said.
He said the current upsurge in number of COVID-19 cases was most likely being driven by the Omicron variant that “is much more transmissible than the other variants”.
He said the FCTA’s deployment of more resources, health workers, funds and materials to control the disease could only be successful if the residents of the FCT played their parts during this festive period with increased social interactions and travels.
The secretary called on all residents of the FCT to take action to protect themselves and their loved ones against the pandemic.
“As such it is critical that scientifically proven actions that prevent the COVID-19 disease must become our habit.
“Consequently, during the Christmas and New year celebration period, the residents of the FCT are urged to practice the following measures as advised by the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19, which will be enforced by FCTA.
“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 congregation 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.”
Tafida said the use of facemask and hand sanitiser for both the vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals at all times while in public spaces should be strictly adhered to.
He said the administration had continued to put in place measures to control the increase in cases and prevent deaths, in conjunction with the Federal authorities and developmental partners.
Tafida said that scientific data had shown that a very important tool to control the pandemic was herd immunity, which was only possible when at least 70 to 80 per cent of the FCT populace was fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
“Thus the ongoing vaccination programme that aims to vaccinate at least 1.5 million residents of the FCT by Jan. 31, 2022, using 283 vaccination teams located in public and private hospitals, markets, religious places, shopping malls and other locations with high human volume.
“As good members of the FCT community, we must be cautious, vigilant and adhere to the government’s advisory on tackling the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Nobody is certain that they will survive if infected or have mild or severe symptoms. Also, let us note that, even symptom-free individuals can still pass on COVID-19 to others who may develop serious complications or even death.”
He urged residents to avoid crowded places, wear face mask, wash hands frequently, saying that the administration had put in place the machinery to enforce all non-pharmacological COVID-19 prevention measures.
