The Plateau state government has concluded plans to carry out a state-wide fumigation exercise.
The state governor, Mr. Simon Lalong announced this on Monday in Jos while briefing journalists on the steps taken by the state government to stop the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
He said the fumigation will cover Jos-Bukuru Metropolis and all the 17 Local Governments Areas of the state.
The governor has therefore directed a total lockdown of the state, effective by 12 midnight on Thursday, April 9th, to 11pm on Wednesday, April 15, 2020.
He said during the period, there would be no movement of any sort, except those on essential duties.
Lalong said: “Government has concluded plans to carry out a State-wide fumigation exercise which will cover Jos-Bukuru Metropolis and all the 17 Local Governments Areas of the State.
“To this effect, I am directing a total lockdown, effective 12 midnight of Thursday 9th April 2020 to 11pm of Wednesday 15th April 2020.
“During this period, there will be no movement of any kind except for staff on essential duty.
“These include: Security agencies, medical and health workers, power and energy, staff, Fire service, media, telecom operators, Fuel tankers”
The governor said, so far, 48 suspected cases of the disease was reported in the state which were investigated and were all found negative. He said total discharge from self-isolation are 25 while 8 are still under surveillance.
“Our surveillance team already in place will continue to be vigilant in identifying cases” he added.
He explained that “since the outbreak of the pandemic, the government constituted a monitoring and enforcement task force headed by him.
He said a situation room was also created to collate information and monitor activities of the various sub committees and the Local Governments.
“I also undertook a facility tour of Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos University Teaching Hospital and Bingham University Teaching Hospital to assess the state of medical facilities and capacity to respond to Covid-19 pandemic.
“After receiving complaints on insufficient respirators and other essentials, I immediately directed the purchase of some ventilators, which are being received at the moment.
“We also purchased Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Monitors, Infrared Thermometers, Oxygen, Concentrators and other essential drugs.
“We are looking inwards to improve what we have on ground.
“We are also taking steps to establish more Covid-19 Isolation Centres in Pankshin and Shendam to cover the other Senatorial districts in the State.
“In line with the Federal Government Directive, we propose to establish a 300-bed Treatment Centre to be located at the Riyom General Hospital and the State NYSC Camp.
“The State Emergency Operation Centre at the Epidemiology Centre Jos, was activated and is now functional.
“Information and Sensitization Committee had embarked on dialogue and interface with Local Government Chairmen, Traditional, Religious and Community leaders to get them on board in the fight against the disease.
