By M. Peter, Jos.
Plateau state has recorded her first case of Coronavirus. This was reported by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Thursday 23rd April 2020.
Plateau state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ninkong Ndam, said the COVID-19 test was conducted on one suspected person that came into Jos from Kano on 17th April 2020 and has been on quarantine since arrival. Upon exhibiting symptoms, nasal and oropharyngeal swab was taken and sent to NVRI, Vom Laboratory for COVID-19 testing.
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According to him, “Sadly, the result which was released on Thursday, 23rd April 2020 returned positive thereby making the patient the State index case. The patient has since been isolated and is stable and in good medical condition. The State Surveillance Team has immediately commenced contact tracing to investigate the case further and institute other Public Health measures to curb the spread of the disease in the State.
Meanwhile, Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong has urged citizens not to panic but remain calm as efforts are being intensified to trace the contacts of the index case.
“Governor Simon Lalong has implored the public not to panic, but to continue to imbibe good personal and respiratory hygiene, social distancing and avoid crowded places as well as stay at home. He has equally called on the citizens to be vigilant and report any suspicious case while assisting the Government to enforce the border closure directive which is one of the key steps adopted in curbing the disease”, the Health commissioner said.
The Plateau state government announced a three day relaxation on restriction of movement on Thursday since it did not record any case.
