COVID-19: Lalong Extends Lockdown Order

By Our Reporter

The Plateau state Governor, Rt Hon Simon Bako Lalong has extended the lockdown order placed on the state with a view to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

The governor in his address today, Wednesday, said that the lockdown of the state continues till April 23, 2020.

He, however, allowed movement and business activities between tomorrow, Thursday April 16 to Sunday April 19, 2020.

Lalong said:
“The total lockdown has been extended to 12 midnight of Thursday 23rd April 2020 to meet the medically stipulated quarantine period of 14 days.

“However, beginning from 11pm tonight, Wednesday 15th April 2020, to 12 midnight of Sunday 19th April 2020, the total lockdown will be relaxed to enable people go out to restock their homes.

“By implication, the earlier restriction prior to the total lockdown remain. For the avoidance of doubt, all other markets remain closed except those selling food items, pharmaceuticals and cooking gas. In addition, all illegal street trading, street hawking, and begging are prohibited. The illegal Sunday markets on Ahmadu Bello Way, Bukuru and environs remain banned. Social joints, Nightclubs, drinking parlours are to remain closed, while restaurants are advised to prepare take away for their customers to avoid crowding.

“Motor parks are to capture and keep data including contacts of all inbound and outbound passengers as well as adhere strictly to social distancing and mass gathering prohibition order as well as hygiene regulations.”

The governor reiterated that all places of worship must maintain the 50 persons earlier allowed while entry and exit borders remained closed. Vehicles like Krke Napep, Cars and Buses are directed to abide by earlier ristriction on number of passengers to carry.

“Vehicles (Keke Napep, Cars and Buses) are to abide by restriction on the number of passenger to carry, which have been spelled out as 1, 4 and 6 respectively.

“Places of worship are to strictly adhere to the 50 persons provision, while maintaining social distancing and hygiene regulations. The ban on all anniversaries and cultural festivals remains in force.

“All entry and exit borders into the State will remain closed with greater reinforcement and CCTV surveillance to ensure total compliance.”

The governor used the opportunity to “announce that the Testing Centre for Plateau State earlier envisaged has finally come to fruition, as the Bio-Safety Level 3 Grade 1 Laboratory at the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI) Vom, has been equipped and certified by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to begin outright test for COVID-19.”

He disclosed that the state has investigated 99 cases and currently isolated 23 persons who are being observed because they came in from other States with confirmed cases of the disease. Be noted that, of the 23 persons isolated, none has so far shown any symptoms.

Lalong who expressed displeasure on enforcement of the lockdown order said that 837 violators were tried and those convicted were made to pay fines while others were subjected to community service. “I wish to register my displeasure on the reported cases of assault on some enforcement officials carrying out legitimate duties. Such acts will not be tolerated and those found guilty will be punished.”

The governor appreciated the citizens, health workers, security agents, traditional and religious leaders, and political leaders among others for their cooperation and understanding with the government in its effort to prevent the pandemic coronavirous in the state.

The earlier lockdown of the state commenced last week Friday and ends by 11pm tonight.

The governor had on last Friday flagged-off fumigation exercise in the state.

The state currently have no positive case of the pandemic coronavirus.

Nationally, as at April 14, Nigeria has 362 positive cases, 99 discharged and 11 death.