‘FCTA may reopen all COVID-19 isolation centres’

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) may be compelled to reopen all closed COVID-19 isolation and treatment centres if there is upsurge in the number of infected persons in the territory.

The Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola, who gave the hint at the weekend in Abuja, disclosed that there are about 42 patients currently on admission at the Gwagwalada treatment centre, 46 patients at the ThisDay Dome, and zero case at the Idu Centre.

Following the second wave of COVID-19 spread, the administration recently reopened the closed high capacity COVID-19 Idu Isolation Centre to reduce pressure on the existing Gwagwalada and ThisDay Dome centres.

Adesola, who spoke with journalists during inspection of the three operational COVID-19 centres in FCT, explained that at a time, there was no patient left at the Idu Centre and others that were shutdown, but with the resurgence of the disease, the government has to reopen the centre.

“They are centres we would not have wanted to exist in the first place, but as fate has it, they are existing. We are quite impressed with the reports we got from them. Ordinarily, we would not have wanted to reopen them, but if there is upsurge, we will be compelled to reopen them all.

“It’s our prayers that we don’t need to go beyond what we have. To ensure that things are going on well, our people who have been highly sensitised on the need to take responsibility for their health and safety will do that.”

On the issue of non-payment or delayed payment of allowances to health workers at the ThisDay Dome, “ the permanent secretary said: “It’s only recently that this centre (ThisDay Dome) was transferred to the FCTA. We are making all efforts to address all issues necessary to keep the place operational.”

Adesola, who warned that COVID-19 is no respecter of any person, as the highs and lows are being, advised everybody to be more responsible.

“I appeal to all Nigerians particularly, the residents of FCT, to take greater responsibility for their safety and health, and avoid situation where they would have to come down and be brought in for treatment.

“We all know our health status. If you have higher health risk, you need to take greater precautions, so that you would not find yourself battling with the health situation imposed by the COVID-19.”