“The confirmation of outbreaks of COVID-19 in Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area, has necessitated the setting up of a special task force in the five (5) District of Barkin-Ladi to expand the spectrum of prevention and control activities in the LGA."- Said Hon. Barrister Ezekiel Mandyau, Chairman Management Committee of Barkin-Ladi Local Government Council. In preparedness for prevention and control of COVID-19 community transmission in Barkin-Ladi, the Council today, inaugurated Task Force teams in Ropp and Gashish Districts to coordinate and fast-track activities geared towards preventing the spread of the pandemic and response if it occurs. His Royal Highness Da Edward Gyang Mashat (Gwom Rwei Gwol) and Chairman Sensitization and advocacy Committee who administered the odd call applauded the Councils effort in the fight against COVID-19 and called on committee members to be responsible in the their assignment. As part of its strategic activities, the Deputy Director of Personnel Management (DDPM) a representative of the Council Chairman, Barrister Ezekiel Mandyau during the inuaguration said; the Council is set to distribute palliatives to the poorest of the poor, over ten thousand (10,000) facemasks, Hand sanitizers among others. He further charged committee members to be proactive in the discharge of this responsibility as it's someone's carelessness somewhere who refused to do his job that lead the State to record it's first index case. “Barkin-Ladi Local Government will leave no stone unturned to ensure that vulnerable populations and members of the host communities are protected from COVID-19,” DDPM assured. As at 17-May, there are 5 confirmed cases in Barkin-Ladi. Similar event will continue as thus; Day-2: Tuesday 19-05-2020 1. Heipang @ 9:00a.m, Gwom Rwei Palace 2. Fan @ 12:00noon, Gwom Rwei Palace Day-3: Wednesday 20-5-2020 1. Foron @ 9:00a.m, Gwom Rwei Palace. 2. Ibaas Chiefdom @ 12:00noon, Gwom Ibaas Palace. Persons to be inuagurated includes; 1. Gwom Rwey- Chairman 2. All serving councillors from the district- Members 3. Women and Youth leaders - Members 4. C.A.N & J.N.I. - Members 5. Rep of NURTW - Member 6. Snr health officer serving in the district - Member. Media team, Mandyau Mandate Group