By Peter Akpah

Nigeria Coronavirus Cases Jumped To 65 After 14 New Virus Cases

Mar 27, 2020

Nigeria has recorded 14 new COVID-19 cases as of thursday 26th March 2020, The disease control center announced.

The number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in Nigeria jumped from 46 to 65 thursday evening after the Nigeria center for disease control (NCDC) announced 14 new cases, out of the 14 confirmed cases one of those case were confirmed in Abuja, one in Bauchi while the remaining 12 were in Lagos, NCDC said.

six were detected on a vessel, 3 were returning travellers into Nigeria and was a close contact of a confirmed case.

Contact tracing is ongoing to identify all persons who have been in contact with the new confirmed cases.

Goodnews is that Six patients who are being treated for the coronavirus have recovered and will soon be discharged from hospital in Lagos according to NCDC.

How ever over 4,300 that entered the country during the out break are still being trace to check and confirm whether they are affected or not, that was the main reason why the ministry of health advance for a total shot down to stop the spread across the country.

But at the mean time Nigerians are advised to remain calm

By Peter Akpah

GOVERNOR LALONG ORDERS FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF COVID-19 RESTRICTION
MEASURES; ORDERS IMMEDIATE ARREST OF DEFAULTERS

Further to the
broadcast made by the Executive Governor of Plateau State His Excellency Rt.
Hon. Simon Bako Lalong on measures taken to contain the dreaded COVID-19 Virus,
it has been observed that many citizens are yet to comply with the restriction
orders issued to prevent the outbreak of the disease in the State.

Therefore, 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.

In addition, members of the public who exhibit any symptoms such
as cough, fever, and difficulty in breathing, should immediately call the
following emergency toll free numbers to report:

0703-286-4444;
0803-542-2711;
0806-548-6416; 0803-577-9917.

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.

Let us all work together to save our lives and the lives of
others.

Let us THINK PLATEAU AND
ACT PLATEAU!

Dan Manjang

Commissioner for Information and Communication,

Plateau State.

27th March 2020

By Peter Akpah

For the Plateau state Facebook family!!! You can make your observations and reports relating to Plateau State using this hashtag. We will take every information serious. Kindly share until everyone sees it. #COVID19 #COVID19NIGERIA #COVID19Plateau

From DG PICTDA

By Peter Akpah

“Coronavirus: Plateau Bloggers/Online Media Advise Citizens to Adhere to Preventive Measures, Backs Gov. Lalong’s Measures to Fight Covid-19″*

Rising from an emergency meeting,The Plateau Bloggers & Online Media Group are advising all Plateau citizens to obey the make-shift arrangements by constituted authorities to ensure that the spread of Covid-19 does not escalate to Plateau State.

The professional body saddled with the responsibility of regulating activities of Bloggers and Online Media Practitioners in Plateau State are supporting and encouraging Plateau State Government efforts in its steps thus far on Safety and Preventive Measures to Forestall Spread of Covid-19.

The Bloggers and Online Media Moguls are partnering with the Governnment in areas of sensitizing and informing the citizens on social media on factual, accurate and reliable information regarding the pandemic in the State.

Comrade Friday Bako, Chairman of the professional body advised against fake news and panic articles being circulated on the social media space;
“This is the time for all of us to stop panicking and stop spreading fake news and unconfirmed reports on the social media space, we have contact with relevant authorities saddled with responsibility of updating citizens on Corona Virus and we as professional bloggers and online media practitioners are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that people are well informed about cases with accurate data and spontaneous feedbacks towards ensuring this fight against the dreaded Virus is a collective one to ensure success”. He stated.

The group is also monitoring complaints online and tracking down fake news with efforts to correct same within the blogging/online community.

Governor Simon Bako Lalong addressed citizens of Plateau in a statewide broadcast on Tuesday 24 March, 2020 on the covid-19 pandemic highlighting measures to combat it on the Plateau.

“The Governor and government of Plateau State is directing all markets to close effective 25th March 2020. Only traders selling food items, pharmaceuticals and cooking gas are to remain open.

In addition, all street trading, street hawking, and begging are prohibited.

The weekly Sunday markets at Ahmadu Bello Way, Bukuru and environs are hereby banned.

Social joints, Nightclubs, drinking parlours are to also close effective Wednesday 25th March 2020, while restaurants are advised to prepare take away for their customers to avoid crowding.”

Coronavirus is real, it exist, has no cure for now, it does not discriminate, it is lethal and extremely contagious. Spread the message not the virus.

Stay safe and ensure you adhere strictly to the preventive and precautionary measures put in places by Health Experts.

By Peter Akpah

NORTHERN GOVERNORS MOURN ENGR. CHRISTOPHER ROBIN De KRETSER (NESCO MD)

The Northern Governors Forum has expressed sadness over the death of Engr. Christopher Robin De Krester, Managing Director of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (NESCO) First Hydro-Power Electricity Company in Nigeria located in Bukuru, Plateau State, who died at the age of 87.
In a condolence message, Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Plateau State, Simon Bako Lalong, described as painful, the demise of Engr. Krester who has been at the helm of affairs of the energy company over many years.
Lalong said “Engr. Christopher Krester is credited with effective leadership of the first private energy company to have obtained licence for generation and distribution of electricity in Nigeria in such a manner that its pedigree and reputation garnered over a period of about one hundred years is still very high. His management style of prudence, accountability and dynamism during his sixty years’ service to the company has seen the company grow through a period that witnessed various changes in the Nigerian Power Sector”.
Governor Lalong recalls the role of NESCO in the development of the Nigerian economy and in particular, the economy of the Northern Region when it was the sole provider of energy to mining operations in the region during pre-colonial era, which provided foreign exchange.
He also noted the role that the company has played in Plateau State by supplying reliable energy to many parts of the State consistently and also partnering with the Plateau State Government and other States to supply electricity to many rural areas through a Public Private Partnership relationship.
While condoling the family, Management and Staff of NESCO over the huge loss, Governor Lalong asked them to take solace in the fact that late Engr. Christopher Krester lived a sacrificial life, where he paid so much attention to the well-being of poor people through the supply of power that provided job opportunities, as well as created empowerment windows through the corporate social responsibility programme of the company.
He said the Northern Region and Plateau State will miss his wealth of experience and valuable advice which he willingly offered to many States towards addressing their energy challenges, urging the company to sustain his legacy of commitment to the supply of 24-hour electricity to consumers.

Makut Simon Macham, Ph.D.
Director of Press & Public Affairs to the Governor of
Plateau State & Chairman, Northern Governors Forum
25th March 2020

By Peter Akpah

My dear citizens of Plateau State, it has become necessary to address you on the global health challenge that we are facing today which is the Corona Virus pandemic otherwise known as COVID-19.
It is no longer news that this disease is a threat not only to human existence, but also to the global economy. For these reasons, all hands must be on deck to fight it and ensure that people are protected from its deadly impact.
Our administration has remained proactive in responding to the pandemic and also liaising closely with the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to tackle the disease.
You will recall that when we received information about some Chinese nationals who arrived Wase Local Government Area after the outbreak of the disease in their country, I immediately directed the Commissioner of Health to deploy experts to investigate.
Fortunately, the results came out negative after their period of quarantine and observation, leaving the State with no case of Corona Virus disease to this day. We have continued our surveillance to ensure that any suspected case is identified and addressed appropriately.
In addition, we also activated our Public Health Emergency Operation Centre to enhance our monitoring capacity and ability to receive up-to-date information from all the 17 Local Government Areas.
With more cases recorded in Nigeria and based on advice of experts, I directed the closure of all schools from pre-primary to tertiary level in the State from Saturday 21st March 2020.
Afterwards, we organised a critical enlightenment session with key stakeholders such as religious, traditional and community leaders, civil society, non-governmental organisations as well as health experts, which was chaired by His Excellency, Prof. Sonni Tyoden, Deputy Governor of Plateau State.
Thereafter, Government directed all worship centres to reduce congregation to not more than 50 persons with a 2-metre spacing interval as well as provide running water and soap for handwashing and sanitizers at their entrances.
We also directed that all funerals, weddings and other social events should have only family members and relations not exceeding 50 people in attendance, while cultural festivals and anniversaries were suspended until further notice.
All these precautionary measures were aimed at safeguarding the possible occurrence of the disease in the State. Government appreciates responsible citizens who complied with the directives and commend their sense of duty and patriotism.
However, we have noted with dismay the flagrant disregard and disrespect to this directive by some individuals and groups including religious institutions who did not only flout the order, but also dissuaded their followers from abiding by it.
Of particular note is the non-compliance to the outright suspension of anniversaries and cultural festivals as well as inability of some schools to close as directed. This is rather unfortunate.
Government views this as an attempt not only to test its resolve, but also endanger public safety and risk the lives of innocent citizens. Let me make it categorically clear that such actions will no longer be tolerated.
Arising from an Emergency Meeting of the State Executive Council, further measures have been taken. With effect from Wednesday 25th March 2020, all public servants in Plateau State from Grade levels 12 and below are to work from home for the next 30 days.
Only workers offering essential services such as security, health, media, street cleaners and water supply and energy are exempted from this directive.
In view of the crowds associated with markets, government is directing all markets to close effective 25th March 2020. Only traders selling food items, pharmaceuticals and cooking gas are to remain open. In addition, all street trading, street hawking, and begging are prohibited. The weekly Sunday markets at Ahmadu Bello Way, Bukuru and environs are hereby banned.
Social joints, Nightclubs, drinking parlours are to also close effective Wednesday 25th March 2020, while restaurants are advised to prepare take away for their customers to avoid crowding.
Motor parks are to capture and keep data including contacts of all inbound and outbound passengers as well as adhere strictly to social distancing and mass gathering prohibition order as well as hygiene regulations. Henceforth, all entry points into Plateau State by land and air will be subjected to preliminary tests.
The weekly State Executive Council Meetings are hereby suspended indefinitely. However, Council will continue to consult and meet through digital means.
I have directed security agencies to begin enforcement and anyone found violating these orders should be arrested. Should the situation continue this way, we shall not hesitate to impose a complete lockdown in order to save the lives of our people.
To ensure total compliance, Government has set up a Task Force on Enforcement and Monitoring, which will be personally chaired by me to coordinate, evaluate and review developments on the disease in the State. The Task Force will also give updates to citizens from time to time.
My dear citizens, just yesterday, I undertook an inspection visit to the isolation facilities in the State located at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, Plateau Specialist Hospital, and Bingham University Teaching Hospital.
From what we have on ground, I am satisfied that we are reasonably prepared to respond to any eventuality. However, the few challenges observed are being addressed as I have directed the immediate purchase of additional ventilators and other consumables for the three Isolation Centres.
In addition to this, government is setting up additional isolation centres in the Old JUTH, Pankshin and Shendam General Hospitals.
While our prayer and determination is not to record any Corona Virus disease case in Plateau State, we are not oblivious of the national incidences. This calls for more vigilance, sensitization and preventive measures.
I have therefore directed that more sensitization jingles and information materials should be produced and disseminated across all communication channels including the social media to reach people at the grassroots.
Dear citizens of Plateau State, you may have been following the impact of the Corona Virus disease on the global economy. Nigeria is not isolated and has already been heavily impacted because of the crashing oil prices on the international market.

Already, the Federal Budget has been slashed by N1.5 Trillion naira in line with the reality of the times. This comes with consequences for other tiers of Government. Expectedly, revenue accruing to Plateau State from the Federation Account has fallen drastically by over 51 percent.
Accordingly, we must brace up for the harsh economic realities and be ready to make necessary sacrifices in the coming weeks and months. Therefore many development projects and programmes will have to be reviewed in accordance to the emerging realities.
For the avoidance of doubt, recurrent expenditure other than salaries and pensions will be cut by 40 percent; the processes of fresh employment; implementation of the new minimum wage; funding of on-going projects among others, will be affected in the interim. Similarly, all allowances of political office holders are hereby slashed by 50 percent.
These decisions were painstakingly arrived at by the State Executive Council on the strength of the advice of the State Economic Advisory Council. We shall therefore appreciate the understanding of all and sundry in this difficult period, pending when we put this situation behind us.
My dear people of Plateau State, this period is one that we must face with optimism, prayers, and above all caution and pre-caution. With what we see around the world especially in countries with higher standards of living, our best chance as a developing nation is prevention.
Therefore, I strongly advise all our citizens and visitors coming into Plateau State who recently returned from overseas or know that they have had contact with any of the confirmed cases in the country to self-isolate for 14 days.
In the event that they exhibit any symptoms such as cough, fever, and difficulty in breathing, they should immediately call the following emergency toll free numbers to report:
0703-286-4444;
0803-542-2711
0806-548-6416
0803-577-9917.
These emergency numbers will be repeatedly announced in different mass media platforms.
We should also avoid unnecessary movement. People should as much as possible stay at home and only move around when it is absolutely necessary. In the coming days, we shall unveil further movement restrictions as the situation demands.
Markets, Motor Parks, Hotels, Super Markets and restaurants are to strictly adhere to the guidelines for social distancing while providing running water, soap and sanitizers for customers at their entrances.
Finally, I urge you all to avoid panic and the spread of fake news and unverified information, which has the tendency to do more damage than the disease itself.
Working together and with God Almighty on our side, we can overcome this challenge and face the future with greater prospect. As a people of faith, Let us therefore intensify our prayers to God and not succumb to fear.
God bless Plateau State, God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thank you.

By Peter Akpah

FG closes all land borders, suspends FEC meetings indefinitely

The federal government has announced the closure of all land borders for four weeks as a measure to check the spread of coronavirus.

The weekly federal executive council has also been suspended “until further notice”.
Boss Mustapha, secretary to the government of the federation and chairman of presidential task force on COVID-19, announced this on Monday evening.

He said the council of state meeting earlier scheduled for Thursday has also been postponed

In furtherance of our ongoing engagement with the public and stakeholders through the Presidential Task Force (PTF) and the Honourable Minister of Health (HMoH), I have found it necessary to update you on recent developments regarding the management of matters arising from COVID-19 Pandemic.

2. Let me remind you that as at the time the Honourable Minister of Health (HMoH), briefed you earlier today, the numbers from the World Health Organisation (WHO), confirmed that the virus has covered 192 countries, reporting over 329,000 cases. In Africa, 42 out of 54 countries have reported cases while 48 deaths have been recorded.

3. In Nigeria 36 cases have been reported and one fatality has occurred. The first responders, particularly the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), continues to attend to reports received through telephone calls and other medium.

4. We commend Nigerians for stepping out to report and/or make enquires through the dedicated hotlines. Records show that on Sunday, 22nd March, 2020, over 4500 calls were received. This shows the high level of awareness amongst Nigerians.

5. The strategy of government is to focus on testing, detection and containment through contact tracking in order to minimize hugely, the possibility of community spread. We urge anyone experiencing the symptoms of the virus or has been in contact with anyone who has been suspected or tested positive to please report at the nearest medical facility or the designated center.

6. The Presidential Task Force (PTF) continues to monitor the global and domestic developments and has isolated Lagos and Abuja for particular attention in view of their population, mobility and number of cases already reported.

7. As you are all aware, a number of advisories have been issued and measures taken. Part of the measures being taken presently include the following:
i.escalating the nation’s capacity for testing and detection through the acquisition of more testing kits and establishment of additional test centres;
ii.acquisition of personnel protection equipment (PPE) for different categories of frontline personnel;
iii.enhancing contact tracking;
iv.deepening awareness creation;
v.mobilization of experts and trained personnel whether in service or retired;
vi.introduction of social distancing policies and banning mass gathering of over fifty (50) persons
vii.closure of schools and tertiary institutions;
viii.The total ban on international travels shall commence at 12.00 midnight tonight at all our airports; and
ix.leaders of different faiths have been encouraged to restrict services and activities that involve mass gathering of more than fifty of their adherents. State governments are also enforcing this policy at different levels.

8. Ladies and gentlemen, after a further review, Mr. President on the recommendation of Presidential Task Force (PTF) has approved the following additional measures:
i.Suspension of the weekly FEC meetings until further notice;
ii.Postponement of the meeting of the Council of State scheduled for Thursday 26th March, 2020;
iii.All land borders that have been hitherto under partial closure shall now be closed for human traffic for four weeks effective, 23rd March, 2020;
iv.In order to protect Federal Civil and Public Servants, a circular to be issued by the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) shall direct on actions to be taken immediately;
v.If and when the need arises, any national assets required for use in the response to COVID-19 shall be mobilized and deployed;
vi.Federal Government, is at the highest level, engaging with State Governors in order to ensure a collaborative and effective response to COVID-19 Pandemic; and
vii.All Abuja and Lagos residents are strongly advised to stay at home, avoid mass congregation of any kind as well as non-essential outings, until further advice is given.

9. Finally, the PTF assures all Nigerians of the concerns of Mr. President and his determination to mobilize all resources to backup this national response. However, this commitment should be reciprocated by all citizens by respecting the advisory and obeying measures put in place to curtail the spread of COVID-19!.