By Daniel Dauda, Jos


Plateau state Government have finally lifted a total lockdown earlier imposed to curtail the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the state till further notice.

However, despite border closer and other entry points that is effective as a result of the lockdown which lasted for almost three months, yet the state witnessed some cases of COVID-19.

According to Plateau state Governor, Simon Bako Lalong who double as chairman of Plateau state task force on COVID-19 revealed that ten thousand Naira was spent in testing of each of 2,030 suspects.

"So far, we have tested 2,032 persons for COVID-19 in the State. Out of this number, 130 were confirmed positive. We recorded 3 deaths which unfortunately occurred before their test results were confirmed.

"At the moment, we have 26 persons still on admission and have discharged 99. There are 35 persons of interest at our quarantine centres in Pankshin, Quaan-Pan, Heipang and Mangu." He mentioned.

Governor Lalong said the decision to lifted the lockdown came as a result of government far reaching consultation and deliberation with all the stakeholders concerned.

"Following the recent release of guidelines by the Presidential task Force on COVID-19 on the gradual easing up of the Lockdown measures and subsequent call for States to take ownership of the processes, the Plateau State Government organized a 2-day Community and Stakeholders engagement from 8th – 9th June, 2020 with a view to evaluating the COVID-19 protocols for the State.

The engagement was also intended to get the views, opinions, experiences, advices and suggestions of the various stakeholders in order to assist Government review the existing Protocols and make necessary adjustments for the overall success of the fight against COVID-19.

"Based on the outcome of such engagements and after critical review, Government has taken the following decisions:

i. The Lockdown earlier imposed in the State from Sundays to Wednesdays is hereby lifted until further notice.
ii. The curfew imposed by the Federal Government from 10pm – 6am will continue to be observed until further directives are issued.
iii. There shall be no entry whatsoever, into public offices, banks, markets, stores, tricycles and vehicles without wearing facemasks. Violators of this order will be arrested and taken before the mobile courts.
iv. Cultural festivals, anniversaries and large-scale gatherings remain banned.
v. Ban on commercial motorcycles will remain in force, except Dispatch Riders and other essential service operators.
vi. The ban on illegal Sunday markets on Ahmadu Bello Way, and Bukuru Metropolis remains in force.
vii. Churches and Mosques with large spaces shall be allowed to accommodate more than 50 worshippers under strict observance of the use of facemasks, social distancing, hand washing, use of infrared thermometers and use of sanitizers.
viii. While detail outlines on compliance shall be provided, let me emphasized that all public places like Markets, Shops, Hotels, Restaurants that fail to comply with the hygiene or sanitation regulations, social distancing as well as use of facemasks shall be penalized and where appropriate, bear any cost or penalty as would be specified.
ix. All public places like Markets, Shops, Hotels, and Restaurants that fail to comply with the hygiene or sanitation regulations, social distancing as well as use of facemasks shall be shut down and the owners prosecuted.
x. The Head of Civil Service has been directed to work out modalities for the resumption of other category of civil servants who have been working from home.
xi. While the Lockdown is relaxed within the State, inter-state borders shall remain closed with greater enforcement.
xii. All Schools are to remain closed.
xiii. As we ease the lockdown, citizens are strongly advised to participate in mass community testing which will be carried out in the State to avoid further spread of the virus.

He assure that In order to ensure effective and sustainable implementation of the decisions above, a Monitoring Committee consisting of Government officials and leadership of critical stakeholders will be constituted to ensure that there is compliance to the guidelines.

"For the avoidance of doubt, Government would not hesitate to close down any market, business premises, and motor park that does not adhere to these protocols. Similarly, any community that violates any of the protocols would be isolated and locked down." He warned.