The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued coercive COVID-19 protection measures for the Christmas and New Year celebrations in the territory.
FCTA Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretary Abubakar Tafida issued the measures in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.
Tafida said the administration had observed with dismay the attitude of people who do not take simple measures that offer protection against COVID-19 infection.
He said that the current status of COVID-19 in the FCT is worrying, adding that the cases so far from December 24 “are 2,591, which represents an increase of 1,028 percent from the 252 confirmed cases in November 2021. ”.
Additionally, hospital admissions for COVID-19 have increased by more than 634 percent from 35 in November to 222 so far in December.
Likewise, the number of active cases treated in treatment centers and in private homes went from 130 at the end of November to the current figure of 2,352 (1,809 percent) increase.
“About 25 percent of all cases during the months were between 30 and 39 years old. Unfortunately, all of the COVID-19 deaths in December 2021 occurred in unvaccinated people, ”Tafida said.
He said the current increase in the number of COVID-19 cases was likely driven by the Omicron variant which “is much more transmissible than the other variants.”
He said that the deployment of more resources, health workers, funds and materials by the FCTA to control the disease could only be successful if FCT residents played their role during this festive period with an increase in social interactions and travels.
The secretary called on all FCT residents to take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones against the pandemic.
“As such, it is critical that scientifically proven actions that prevent COVID-19 disease should become our habit.”
Guidelines
Accordingly, during the Christmas and New Years celebration period, FCT residents are urged to practice the following actions as advised by the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19, which will be enforced by the FCTA.
”Any gathering of more than 50 people must take place in open spaces. Street parties are discouraged. All nightclubs and related activities are prohibited during this period.
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“The inner religious congregation should be limited to 50 percent of its capacity in full compliance with social public health measures, such as physical distancing (two meters away) and the use of face masks.”
Tafida said that the use of a mask and hand sanitizer for vaccinated and unvaccinated people at all times while in public spaces must be strictly adhered to.
He said the administration had continued to implement measures to control the increase in cases and prevent deaths, in conjunction with federal authorities and development partners.
Tafida said that scientific data had shown that a very important tool in controlling the pandemic was herd immunity, which was only possible when at least 70 to 80 percent of the FCT population was fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Hence the ongoing vaccination program that aims to vaccinate at least 1.5 million inhabitants of the FCT by January 31, 2022, using 283 vaccination teams located in public and private hospitals, markets, religious places, centers. commercial and other places with high human volume. .
“As good members of the FCT community, we must be cautious, vigilant, and abide by the government’s recommendations to address the COVID-19 pandemic.
“No one is sure that they will survive if they become infected or have mild or severe symptoms. Also, keep in mind that even people who do not have symptoms can transmit COVID-19 to others who can develop serious complications or even death. “
He urged residents to avoid crowded places, wear masks, wash their hands frequently, and said the administration had put machinery in place to enforce all non-drug prevention measures for COVID-19. (YAYA)