By Raymond Gukas, Jos
Plateau State Government has announced a one-week total lockdown in its efforts to stem COVID-19 virus in the state.
Though the state is yet to have any information of the dreaded virus, the Governor, Simon Lalong said the lockdown is to allow the government fumigate the entire state in its determined effort to safeguard lives of the citizens.
Addressing a news conference in Jos, the state capital, the governor said “Government has concluded plans to carry out a state-wide fumigation exercise which will cover Jos-Bukuru metropolis and all the 17 local governments areas of the state.
“In all the operations so far, a number of challenges have arisen which we are working hard to address in conjunction with key partners including the Federal Government,” he disclosed.
The governor used the occasion to appreciate “one of our sons who has continued to make in-roads in innovation, Engr. Jerry Mallo” who has been engaged to produce ventilators.
Also, “the duo of Engineers Nura Jibrin and William Gyang have resuscitated broken down ventilators at JUTH. We are grateful to them,” he declared.
Lalong added that the government was taking steps to establish more Covid-19 Isolation Centres in Pankshin and Shendam council areas in central and south senatorial districts to cover the other two senatorial districts in the state.
“In line with the Federal Government Directive, we propose to establish a 300-bed Treatment Centre to be located at the Riyom General Hospital and the state NYSC Camp.
“Information and Sensitization Committee had embarked on dialogue and interface with local government chairmen, traditional, religious and community leaders to get them on board in the fight against the disease.
“In the course of implementation, all markets were closed except those selling food items, pharmaceuticals and other essential items. We also put a ban on all anniversaries and cultural festivals,” he stressed.
According to him, “so far, we have recorded 48 suspected cases which were investigated and all found negative. Total discharge from self-isolation are 25 while 8 are still under surveillance. Our surveillance team already in place will continue to be vigilant in identifying cases”
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