As the global cases of the Coronavirus pandemic continue to surge in a geometric progression to over 800,000 with over 39,000 deaths recorded globally, the Executive Governor of Plateau State has assured the citizens that strategies are being put in place to prevent and contain the dreaded novel covid-19.

With the global outbreak affecting over 180 Countries including Nigeria with 135 total confirmed cases, 8 recoveries and 2 deaths so far, Gov. Lalong expressed optimism that the State which presently has not recorded any case of the virus will be free of the disease if the people adhere strictly to all preventive, safety, precautionary measures as well as government directives aimed at curbing the spread of the virus in the State.

Certain measures have been employed by the Plateau State Government to safeguard public health and prevent or contain any possible outbreak of Covid-19. Such measures include restriction of movements, observing social distancing, ban on certain social activities and regulation of gathering in excess of 50 persons. In addition, civil servants on grade level 12 and below were advised to work from home, temporal closure of bars, the partial closure of markets with the exception of traders selling food, pharmaceuticals and cooking gas who were exempted from the directive of government. Workers on essential services such as security, health, media, water and energy supply were exempted from the directives.

The State has in place a Taskforce saddled with the responsibilities of coordinating, evaluating, reviewing and advising government on developments concerning the disease in the State.

The Governor has expressed commitment of the State Government to enforce compliance with all measures put in place to combat the spread of the virus.

While people were trying to adjust to the new directives put in place by the government, certain levels of infractions were recorded by certain individuals and groups in the State. One if such infringement was last Friday when the Spiritual Leader of Ja’amatu Izalatil Bida Waikamatis Sunnah, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir flouted government restriction directive which stipulated a maximum of 50 persons at a time in places of worship (Churches & Mosques)

Sheikh Jingir has gone ahead with the Juma’at congregational prayer with large number of his followers undermining both federal and State directives in that regards.

Many within the State and without called for the immediate arrest of Sheikh Jingir for flouting the directive for public safety, a situation which could had threatened the fragile peace if not for how the State Government properly handled same in a more diplomatic manner which saw Sheikh Jingir showing remorse and pledging to abide by government measures which are in public interest.

In order to demonstrate its commitment towards the prevention, contact tracing if any and containment as the case maybe, Plateau State has created a situation room for monitoring, evaluating and adopting all measures necessary to prevent COVID-19 in the State.

The situation will also create public awareness on coronavirus and work with stakeholders most especially the taskforce in the State to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the State has unveiled a COVID-19 technology platform to report incidence of coronavirus cases, evaluate field reports, provide information on index and contact tracing as well as provide first rate information on COVID-19 trends locally, nationally and globally so as to prevent panic and allow citizens and government make informed decisions.

Already, the State has in place officials on its major highways especially its entry points to make temperature test, take saliva sample of travellers for test and possible feedback on the outcomes.

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Covid-19: Gov. Lalong Confident of Managing Coronavirus while Sustaining Peace in Plateau State