Plateau state governor, Simon Lalong, has placed a ban on movements between local government areas in the state, beginning from May 4th, 2020. He also imposed a compulsory wearing of face masks by citizens to curb the spread of the dreaded Coronavirus.

The governor made this disclosure in the weekly broadcast to the State on the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In addition to the total lockdown which closed movement in and out of the State, and to curb community spread of COVID-19, Government has decided to close all intra-State borders with effect from 4th May 2020.

“Consequently, there shall be no movement from one Local Government to another even during the period when the total lockdown is relaxed, except for those on essential services.

“Starting from 4th May 2020, all citizens shall be required to use facemasks in public places in addition to observing all hygiene and social distancing regulations,” he stated.

Lalong also disclosed that the pattern of the lockdown embarked upon in the state shall continue indefinitely.

“The total lockdown which resumed midnight Sunday, April 26th 2020, shall be relaxed from Midnight of Thursday 30th April 2020 to Midnight of Sunday 3rd May 2020 to enable people again re-stock their homes. Thereafter, the total lockdown will resume on Monday 4th May 2020.

“This will henceforth be the pattern until further review. In order words, the period of restocking will last from Midnight of every Thursday to Midnight of every Sunday”, he added.

The governor, however, regretted the leakage of a test result of a COVID-19 victim in the state and that the case was under investigation. He said anyone found wanting would be sanctioned accordingly.

According to the governor, tests conducted on persons that had contact with the index case tested negative, even though he disclosed that other test results were being awaited

He also warned against stigmatizing those under isolation and quarantine.

“I appeal to citizens to avoid stigmatizing people who are either quarantined, suspected or confirmed to have the disease. While we take all necessary measure to remain safe, we must not subject people to psychological torture, which has devastating effects on their health and capable of discouraging future tests”, Lalong warned.

On the issue of the Almajiris, Lalong who doubles as Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum (NGF), mentioned measures that were being taken.

“The profiling and return of Almajiris has commenced and shall continue until the last Almajiri is relocated. On 26th April 2020, the first batch of 279 Almajiris were evacuated. Out of this number, 243 were sent home to their States of Bauchi, Kano and Kaduna, while 36 were sent to their Local Governments in Wase and Kanam”, he concluded.