Just like Lagos State, the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA has ordered the immediate closure of shops in the markets and neighbourhood
Just like Lagos State, the Federal Capital Territory Administration, FCTA has ordered the immediate closure of shops in the markets and neighbourhood centres, except those selling food items and other essential commodities amidst the ravaging coronavirus pandemic.
“Shops in the markets and neighbourhood centres in the FCT are to be shut to traders except those who sell essential commodities and medicines. However, pharmacies and supermarkets selling essential products and bakeries are to remain open but abide strictly by laid down measures.”
The Lagos State Government has on Tuesday March 24th ordered the closure of all open markets and stores for seven days, beginning from Thursday, March 26, so as to curb the spread of coronavirus with the exception of sellers of food and medicines, medical equipment and other essential life-saving products.
The Minister of FCT, Muhammad Bello, also ordered the immediate closure of churches and mosques. While noting that the FCTA had raised an emergency response team to tackle the spread, the minister explained that containing the virus depended largely on personal choices.
In order to better manage cases of infection, the minister said the FCTA would work closely with the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital to expand the capacity of the current isolation and treatment centre to accommodate more patients by providing the essential facilities. He added that the Zuba General Hospital would also be converted into an isolation and treatment centre to accommodate more patients should the need arise. The FCT Commissioner of Police, Bala Ciroma, who was at the event, promised that security agencies would enforce the order restricting gathering to not more than 50 persons in churches and mosques.
Also the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu ordered that all public parks, including those in private and residential estates, swimming pools, gyms, beauty salons, and all such public places are expected to shut down at this time, until further notice.
“The organised private sector is hereby encouraged to follow the steps of the public sector and allow as many workers as possible to work from home. Banks and other Financial Institutions are encouraged to prioritise online channels for their services to the public; with only essential and key senior staff being in the office during these times.
“The Chief Judge of Lagos State has been directed to ensure that all Magistrate and High Courts in Lagos State close immediately to the public and suspend all court sittings; and much as is possible, essential services should be transacted electronically. I urge that all travel to and from Lagos, whether by air or by road, be avoided at this time. The Federal Government has already advised residents of Lagos and Abuja to stay put where they are, and I would like to reiterate this in the strongest terms possible.
He reiterated that people refrain from gatherings or congregations of any kind at all at this time; and where people must absolutely gather, the number of persons in the gathering must not exceed 50 persons. Sanwo-Olu said that anyone caught flouting any of the above directives as well as the previously issued directives would be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law. He said that law enforcement agencies and other relevant Lagos State protection agencies had been imbued with the power to deal with recalcitrant offenders, as the state government would not relent in ensuring strict compliance with the directives.
