Governor Lalong Orders Full Implementation of COVID-19 Restriction Measures

  • Orders Immediate Arrest of Defaulters

From Peter Azi, Jos

As the Global Pendamic, COVID-19 continues to spread like wildfire; the Executive Governor of Plateau State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong has vowed to sanction anybody that flouts government directives in an attempt to stem the tide of the dreaded virus in the state.

In a press statement signed by commissioner for information, Dan Manjang stated that, “furtherance to the broadcast made by the Executive Governor of Plateau State on measures taken to contain the dreaded COVID-19 Virus, it has been observed that many citizens are yet to comply with the restriction orders issued to prevent the outbreak of the disease in the State.

“Therefore, the Governor as the Chairman of the Task Force on Monitoring and Enforcement has directed that beginning from today, Friday 27th March 2020, security agencies will embark on full enforcement of the measures earlier outlined to deal with the Corona Virus Disease.

“Consequently, members of the public are warned in their own interest to abide by the restriction order as security officials will arrest and prosecute anyone found violating the order.

According to the statement, “For the avoidance of doubt, the restriction order includes the

following measures amongst others. Closure of all markets (except those selling food items,

Pharmaceuticals and cooking gas), “No congregation of more than 50 people at places of worship etc, and strict observance of 2- metres social distancing where up to 50 people

congregate, as well as provision of hygiene materials such as water, soap and sanitizers.

“Prohibition of street trading, streethawking, and begging, ban on weekly Sunday markets at Ahmadu Bello Way, Bukuru and environs, closure of all drinking joints, social centres and night clubs, mandatory provision of take-away packs by restaurants to avoid crowding, cancellation of all festivals and anniversaries, Strict adherence to 2-metres social distancing in motor parks

and inside all transport vehicles and tricycles, capture of data of inbound and outbound passengers at all motor parks in Plateau State.

Also, “Covid-19 at all land and air entry points into Plateau State 14 days self-isolation for

overseas returnees or those who know that they have had contact with any of the confirmed cases in the country, movement and travels.

In addition, members of the public who exhibit any symptoms such as cough, fever, and difficulty in breathing, should immediately call the following emergency toll free numbers to report: 0703-286-4444; 0803-542-2711;  0806-548-6416 and 0803-577-9917.

The statement added that, “This total enforcement will continue until full compliance is achieved as all these precautionary measures are aimed at safeguarding the possible occurrence of the disease in the State. Let us all work together to save our lives and the lives of others. It concludes.

 

Abdul Rahman Aliagan is an Abuja-based seasoned Journalist who was born in late 70s and has spanned over a decade and half in the profession. His flair for investigative Journalism has earned him a niche and more on the profession. A member of Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, he is currently the National Secretary of the Nigerian Guild of Investigative Journalists, NGIJ, an umbrella body for all the curious journalists in Nigeria. Aliagan, a graduate of History from the Better By Far University, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, and a Masters student in the Department of History, Nasarawa State University, Keffi. He started his Journalistic career with The Herald Newspaper, in 1997 even as a Copy boy in the Newsroom; he later moved his career to Funtua, Katsina State as a Media Assistant to a Non-Governmental Organization, (NGO), Pan-African Development Education and Advocacy Programme (PADEAP). Aliagan later joined the service of Newspeg Newspaper, an Abuja based media outfit as a Senior Correspondent only to become the pioneer Editor as the platform later transformed to Magazine titled Newspeg Magazine. For his close to two decades uninterrupted media experiences, Aliagan with some like minds floated Time Nigeria Magazine, where he is currently serving as the Managing Editor, a Magazine that is setting Economic and political pace for the most populous country on African continent, Nigeria. Aliagan has been a Contributing Editor for some other media platforms such as Security Monitor, Kwara Arise and Health Agenda. Aliagan is the Publisher of ArtsDaily Nigeria, a History, Culture and Tourism focused Newspaper.

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