The Plateau State Governor, His Excellency Governor Simon Bako Lalong continued his engagement with critical stakeholders to brief them on the fight against COVID-19 and the way forward.
His Excellency also thanked them for their supports and cooperation thus far and also request to them to have more involvement in addressing the challenges of the deadly virus.
However, His excellency used the opportunity to give them the economic, medical and social response to the virus.
Mr Ezekiel Gomos who is the Chairman of the State Economic Advisory Council, Dr Azzuwut Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health and the Chairman of the Medical Research Committee Prof. Noel Wannang who took turns to give highlights of the virus in their areas.
His Excellency Stated ” Before the advent of the disease in Plateau State, we took difficult decisions to ensure that we guard against the pandemic. We closed all schools; banned public gatherings, cultural festivals and anniversaries; closed markets; and restricted movement along our borders.
“Having constituted the Plateau State Task Force on COVID-19 which is personally chaired by me, we established sub-commitees that carried out surveillance, medical assessments, enforcement, as well as embarked massive public enlightenment.
“In addition to establishing Isolation and quarantine centres, we worked on preparing treatment facilities within the State. This led me to visit the Plateau Specialist Hospital, Jos University Teaching Hospital where i ordered the purchase of ventilators, personal protective equipment and medications.
His Excellency also spoke about reopening of tertiary institutions by the end of October if all things fall into place as Plateau State was rated first in the North Central Region by the Presidential Task Force team after their inspection over the COVID-19 protocols during exit classes WAEC examination in Plateau State.
“In order to reopen schools, we have set up a Committee headed by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Prof, Danladi Atu with Sub-Committees on readiness and compliance headed by the Commissioner for Secondary Education and Chairman, SUBEB respectively.
H-forbes gathered also that The Plateau State Government have trained teachers and Principals, disinfected schools and established task teams towards ensuring that all laid down protocols are dully observed.