The confirmed number of the pandemic coronavirus infections worldwide continues to grow, surpassing 800,000 on Tuesday in over 180 countries. Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong has taken strong measures to avert what could have disturbed the fragile peace in Plateau State by unveiling strategies to contain the spread of the dreaded pandemic virus.
In order to secure public health and help flatten the growth curve for COVID-19, Plateau State government after meeting with stakeholders had announced a number of measures including restriction of movements, ban of any social or religious gathering in excess of 50 people.
The directive also ordered all public servants in Plateau State from levels 12 and below to work from home for the next 30 days; while all market activities have been temporarily shut down. Only traders selling food items, pharmaceuticals and cooking gas are exempted, also workers on essential services such as security, media, health, street cleaners and water supply and energy are the only ones exempted from the restrictions. A task force is already in place tasked with the responsibility of enforcement and monitoring of the restrictions.
Furthermore, the task force is to coordinate, evaluate and review developments of the disease in the state.
Restriction flouted:
However, the restriction order was flouted last Friday by the spiritual leader of Jammaatu Izalatil Bida Waikamatis Sunnah, Sheikh Sani Yahaya Jingir, to the consternation of stakeholders in and outside the state. For many, Sheikh Jingirs performance of the Friday congregational prayer despite an order against that from the federal and state governments clearly could undermine the safety measures against the spread of COVID-19 and potentially undermine the peace of the state.
It was clear that the Sheikh had gone against federal laws and also undermined the regulation for public safety by the Plateau State government.
Governor Lalong moves to shorten threat to peace and public safety:
The action Governor, Lalong had moved to shorten potential threat to peace and public safety. This week, Sheikh Jingir had expressed regret over the incidence and pledged his continuous support for peace and willingness to queue in with the government to fight the pandemic coronavirus.
While many would have desired an immediate arrest of Sheik Jingir which may further disturb the peace, Governor Lalong decided to use a more tactical approach at addressing the issues. In order to curtail panic and public disorder or divert attention from the greater enemy of COVID-19, said a senior official of Plateau State with knowledge of the matter.
Plateau State Government creates a Situation Room, deploys technology to tame the spread of COVID-19:
Meanwhile Plateau State has set up a Situation Room to monitor, evaluate and adopt all measures as may be necessary to slow down or tame COVID-19 in the state. reason of the Situation Room is to create public awareness on the coronavirus and work with all stakeholders including the state task force to fight the spread of COVID-19.
The state has put in place a COVID-19 technology platform to report incidence of coronavirus cases, evaluate field reports, provide information on index and contact tracing as well as provide first hand information on COVID-19 trends locally, nationally and internationally so as to prevent panic and allow citizens and government make informed decisions.
Already, the state has deployed officials on its major highways to take saliva sample of travelers for test and possible feedback on the outcomes.
