From Yakubu Busari, Jos
Gov Simon Lalong
Against the backdrop of the flagrant public violation of the measures designed to contain the spread of the dreaded Corona Virus disease in the state, the Plateau State government has directed security agencies to embark on full enforcement of its initiative.
Many who are disobeying the order are poor families who depend on daily sales to cater for their families. They are the ones mostly hit by the order restricting them from embarking on street hawking.
Investigation by this medium also shows that people in places like Jenta Adamu, Mangoro, Kabong, Tudun wada, and other suburbs of the state capital are crying for water and electricity supply as well as sanitisers.
According to the Commissioner of Information and Communication, Dan Manjang, “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.
For the avoidance of doubt, the restriction order includes the following measures amongst others.
1. Closure of all markets (except those selling food items, pharmaceuticals and cooking gas)
2. 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.
3. Prohibition of street trading, street hawking, and begging
4. Ban on weekly Sunday markets at Ahmadu Bello Way, Bukuru and environs
5. Closure of all drinking joints, social centres and night clubs
6. Mandatory provision of take-away packs by restaurants to avoid crowding
7. Cancellation of all festivals and anniversaries
8. Strict adherence to 2-metres social distancing in motor parks and inside all transport vehicles and tricycles
9. Capture of data of inbound and outbound passengers at all motor parks in Plateau State.
10. Preliminary tests for Covid-19 at all land and air entry points into Plateau State
11. 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.
12. Avoidance of unnecessary movement and travels.
He directed and member of the public who exhibits any symptoms such as cough, fever, and difficulty in breathing, to immediately call the following emergency toll free numbers to report:
0703-286-4444; 0803-542-2711; 0806-548-6416; 0803-577-9917.
He restated 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.”
