The Plateau State Government will today commence strict enforcement of Covid-19 preventive guidelines in six local government areas, to stem the tide of rising incidences of the disease.
The affected local governments include Jos North, Jos South, Kanam, Kanke, Barkin Ladi and Mangu.
The government said it was taking the decision because of the rising cases of Covid-19 in the State and the flagrant disregard for safety regulations.
At a media briefing on Sunday in Jos, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Danladi Atu, said: “Government has equally been worried about the increase in the number of cases in the State even as we test more people. This means that the risk of Covid-19 is still very high, and as such, we cannot relax.
“That is why the Chairman of the Plateau State Covid-19 Task Force, Governor Simon Lalong has directed that we redouble our enforcement efforts across the entire state with special emphasis on six local government areas with the highest prevalence of corona virus cases.
“Therefore, commencing from tomorrow, Monday, June 29 2020, the enforcement teams will wage a robust action on defaulters whether citizens or organisations, particularly in the six Local Governments which include Jos North, Jos South, Barkin Ladi, Mangu, Kanam and Kanke.”
He further stressed that: “It should be understood that the next phase will see other local governments also witnessing the type of enforcement and enlightenment that we shall launch tomorrow (Monday).”
Atu, who is also the State Coordinator of the State Covid-19 Taskforce, further explained that: “This enforcement will go simultaneously with public education campaign by Health Educators to further enlighten the citizens on the dangers of the disease and what to do to be protected.
“It is important to make it abundantly clear that this action is not in any way aimed at stigmatizing people living in these local government areas or affected communities, but an exercise targeted at ensuring their safety and containment of the pandemic.
“I am stating this upfront because we are aware of the mischief by some individuals and groups who specialize in spreading falsehood and trying to discourage people from abiding to government directives.
“We shall remain focused on ensuring that we protect our citizens from the Corona Virus pandemic. All we continue to ask for, is the cooperation and support of all citizens towards defeating the disease.”
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