Ebola scare: Kaduna banks screen customers

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

Barely 24 hours after a suspected case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) was reported at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria commercial banks in Kaduna have commenced screening of customers before admitting them into the banking hall.

This is also as some of the banks subjected their customers to washing of their hands before they were allowed into the banks.

Our correspondent who monitored the situation reported that, many of the customers were surprised by the development, even though; they described it as a welcome development.

At one of the commercial banks, the security officer declined speaking to the press, but he was heard explaining to customers that, the essence of the screening was to prevent Ebola spread.

The bank security man, with hand gloves and mouth mask also told the customers that, he had instructions not to allow anybody with temperature above 40 degrees into the bank.

Similarly, the bank customers were seen washing their hands with sanitized water before entering the banking hall.

One of the customers, Malam Abdullahi Baba told our correspondent that, the measure taken by the commercial banks was a welcome development.

According to him, “If not here now, an average Nigerian does not go for medical check-up. But now, temperature of every customer is checked, which is a welcome development.”

Meanwhile, the Chief Medical Director (CMD), Ahmadu Bello Teaching Hospital, Shika, Prof. Khalid Lawal said the law student suspected of showing symptoms related to the Ebola virus is still on admission and watch; while the hospital is expecting the final result of the blood test.

In the same vein, prices of hand sanitizers have soared to 100 per cent following large patronage. At the Sheikh Abubakar Gumi market traders who spoke to Peoples Daily said they’re happy about the development as they’re running to the banks with huger profit.