FCTA Warns Recalcitrant COVID-19 Patients, Plans Forceful Evacuation To Treatment Centres
BY VICTOR OSOWOCHI, ABUJA –The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has threatened to invoke relevant laws that will enforce mandatory evacuation of recalcitrant COVID-19 patients to treatment centers.
The decision follows submissions by FCT COVID-19 Emergency Response Team that some persons, having tested positive to the virus, are insisting on treating themselves at home, rather than being moved to treatment centres for proper care.
Speaking on the plans to ensure strict enforcement of the laws, FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, frowned at this development, warning that existing laws will be fully applied in forcing such persons to treatment centres.
Explaining that the actions of such Individuals to stay at home and receive treatment posed great risks not just to their families but also immediate communities, Mall am Bello said; “Since we have begun to witness community transmission of the virus, it is imperative that we must do everything within our power to stop the spread even if we have to compel such persons to go to treatment centres”
He said to prevent further spread of the virus within the communities, it was resolved that massive testing will be carried out in areas where community transmission has already been established which include Mabushi, Gishiri and Utako.
A statement by Anthony Ogunleye, Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Minister said through the Response Team, Mallam Bello is also encouraging all FCT residents to wear face masks when visiting public places, adding that individuals can also make their face masks from clean cloth materials and wear them always.
The statement quoted the Minister as commending all frontline workers in the fight against the virus and solicited cooperation from all residents of the Territory in obeying all laid down measures, including observing social distancing; constant hand washing; stay at home order and respiratory hygiene.
The statement assured that all decisions taken at the FCT COVID-19 Emergency Response Team and the FCTA Management joint meeting would be fully implemented by the FCT Minister.
Also reviewed by the meeting was the current situation of COVID-19 pandemic in FCT and measures so far taken to contain it.
The statement disclosed that a total of 263 medical personnel, comprising 66 doctors, 103 nurses, 9 pharmacists, 15 laboratory scientists and 70 others have been fully trained, even as 337 others are slated for training which is being arranged in batches.
