Northern governors have resolves to purchase mobile vans to increase the level of COVID-19 testing in rural communities in the north. The governors took the decision in a meeting via teleconferencing presided by the chairman of the forum and the governor of Plateau State RT. Hon. Barr. Simon Bako Lalong.

Lalong in a statement signed by his Director of Press and Public Affairs Dr. Makut Simon Machan said “The governors resolves to purchase the mobile testing van to facilitate the testing of COVID-19 in the rural communities in the north.

The governors expressed serious concern that despite their efforts, the borders are still being compromised and more illegal routes are being created which is giving rise to more inter-state transfer of COVID-19 in the region.

Lalong noted that some of the trucks transporting goods are also used in smuggling people across states in violation of movement regulations.

They, therefore, decided to close all their borders from 6:00p.m to 7:00a.m to all trucks carrying goods so as to enable proper scrutiny and examination during the day, which is difficult to achieve in the night when most of the infractions happen.

They also agreed to increase the use of vigilante groups, neighbourhood watch, and traditional rulers in enforcing the border closures.

The governors said that the profiling and returning of Almajiris to their states is in progress with some few logistic challenges, which are being addressed, between the governors of originating and receiving states.

They also agreed that Almajiris sent from one state to another should be profiled, tested and accompanied by state officials and their Alaramas (teachers) to facilitate the process of settling in.

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COVID-19: Northern State Governors resolves to purchase mobile van for rural testing