174 public servants test positive for COVID-19 in Plateau
The Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong has said that 174 public servants in the state have tested positive for COVID-19.
He regretted that the state has recorded 19 deaths and it is observing 454 suspected cases at the moment.
The Plateau State Governor made this known in a Press briefing through the Secretary to Government of Plateau, Prof. Danladi Atu, at the Government House Jos, Plateau State on Tuesday.
He urged Plateau residents not to panic saying the 148 new cases released by NCDC is a collation of results which were delayed because of the shortage of reagents at the NVRI Laboratory in Vom.
“Following the directive by Governor Simon Lalong that all staff of Ministries and MDAs be secured, we have so far conducted tests for 4,422 staff of 54 MDAs with 174 of them testing positive. The tests are continuing, this makes Plateau State the first in the country to commence mass testing of civil servants.
“Our health workers who are on the front line have also been affected by the virus. So far, the health workers affected are 58; 10 doctors, 15 nurses, 3 CEWs, 2 J/CHEWs, 3 pharmacist technician, 4 Laboratory scientists, 1 lab technician, 1 record clerk, 1 watchman and 14 cleaners.”
Lalong said a decision has been taken in collaboration with the Muslim Ummah and security chiefs in the state to suspend prayers at the Eid grounds during the forth coming Eid-el Kabir celebration.
He added that Eid festival and subsequently, visits to recreational centres such as Zoo and wildlife parks are to be suspended and urged residents to adhere strictly to the use of face masks and related protocols during and after the occasion.
The Plateau State Governor also banned the use of tricycle in the state for two days, insisting that residents must observed the Federal Government curfew from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am.
He directed all Local Government Chairmen to replicate all the decisions taken by the government and ensure that the COVID-19 guidelines are observed in their respective local government areas.
