Hope Ikwe, Jos
Plateau State commenced a week long statewide fumigation exercise on Friday amid lock down, with Governor Simon Lalong reiterating the effort to prevent the outbreak of the disease in the state.
Lalong, at the flag-off of the fumigation exercise stated that “since the outbreak of the disease, our government has taken several steps aimed at ensuring that the disease does not come into the state. We have also been preparing in the unfortunate event if any case is recorded in Plateau State so that we can respond appropriately”.
“Although no case has been recorded yet in Plateau State as at today, we cannot relax. We have to remain vigilant and proactive. That is why we announced a total lockdown of the state, which began some hours ago,” he added.
Lalong who urged citizens to comply with the stay at home directive to ensure fumigation of markets, public places and streets, emphasized that “the lockdown will also help us reduce any tendency for inter-state transfer of the disease and enable us respond appropriately to any suspected case and contact tracing.”
A testing centre is being planned for the state, Governor Lalong said, and added that the government would be rolling out palliative measures to assist the weak and vulnerable soon..
Meanwhile, the state has set up 10 mobile courts to try violators as a press statement signed by the commissioner for information, Dan Manjang, noted that the mobile court is to “ ensure enforcement and compliance to the directive of government which is aimed at protecting the citizens from the coronavirus pandemic and also ensuring that the entire state is fumigated”.
“Members of the public are therefore advised to comply with the ‘no movement’ order while those exempted because of their essential services are to carry their identify cards at all times.” it added.
