COVID-19: Lalong Extends Lockdown Indefinitely, Frowns at Unprofessional Leakage of Index Case Result

By Our Reporter

The Plateau state governor and Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, Rt Hon Simon Bako Lalong has again extended the lockdown in the state indefinitely as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The governor also frowned at what he called “unfortunate leakage” of a test result conducted at the COVID-19 Laboratory of the National Veterinary Research Institute Vom, which found its way to the social media.

He said that the unprofessional conduct is being investigated noting that anyone found culpable will be dealt with accordingly.

In his address on Thursday, the governor, however, said that total lockdown which resumed midnight Sunday April 26th 2020, shall be relaxed from Midnight of Thursday 30th April 2020 to Midnight of Sunday 3rd May 2020 to enable people again re-stock their homes. Thereafter, the total lockdown will resume on Monday 4th May 2020.

The governor noted that this will henceforth be the pattern until further review. “In order words, the period of restocking will last from Midnight of every Thursday to Midnight of every Sunday.”

He directed that starting from 4th May 2020, all citizens shall be required to use facemasks in public places in addition to observing all hygiene and social distancing regulations while declaring overnight curfew from 8pm to 6am effective 4th May 2020 in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s order. This, however, exempted people on essential duties.

Lalong said that Government remains fully aware of the collective hardship that this situation has brought upon us saying that no one, including those holding public offices are immune from these challenges. “That is why we must exercise more patience and resilience as we work together to defeat this pandemic.”

On the palliatives, the governor said “The Deputy Governor who chairs thywe palliative committee and his team atre working assiduously to ensure that this distribution is carritged out in a transparent, equittable and successful t. I have confidence in their capacity to deliver and they need our support and prayers.

“There will be no discrimination of any kind in this exercise. Nevertheless, members of the public are free to report any case of abuses directly to the Deputy Governor or myself for immediate action.”

Lalong said that Government was also concerned about the impact of the Corona Virus pandemic on the education sector saying “That is why I directed the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board to commence the implementation of the UNICEF EDUCATION CAN NOT WAIT INTIATIVE (ECW) to enable our children learn at home.

“At the moment, learning has started with Television and Radio lessons for children in Mathematics and English transmitted on the Plateau Radio Television Corporation from 9-11am weekdays. In addition, we have produced simplified study materials that are being distributed to children especially in rural areas that may not access Radio and Television services.

“In addition, Government is partnering with U-LESSON Education, one of the new Education Technology Company in Nigeria founded by one of the illustrious sons of Plateau State, Mr. Sim Shagaya that will offer online science education to secondary school students.”

The govenor appreciated the entire citizens of the State who have shown tremendous understanding and commitment to supporting the administration in responding to the Corona Virus pandemic.

“You have demonstrated that it is our battle which we must all fight together. God willing, we will surely win.” he said.

Nigeria currently has 1932 confirmed cases with 319 treated and discharged and 58 deaths. Plateau state has only one positive case so far.