- 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, street hawking, 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.