Coronavirus: Plateau index case “in good condition” says Government

Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State says citizens should not panic, but to “stay at home and maintain good personal and respiratory hygiene, social distancing and avoid crowded places.”

The patient with the index case of COVID-19 in the State, Lalong in a statement by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ninkong Lar Ndam is “stable and in good medical condition”.

The patient according to the statement has “since been isolated” and contact tracing has commenced.

Citizens, Dr. Ndam advised should be vigilant and report suspicious cases while assisting Government to keep its borders closed.

“This is one of the key steps adopted in curbing the disease,” he said.

The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Thursday 23rd April 2020 released its daily COVID-19 Case Update which confirmed the first index case in Plateau State.

According to the Commissioner of Health, the COVID-19 test was conducted on a suspected patient that came into Jos from Kano on 17th April 2020 and had been on quarantine since arrival .

“Upon exhibiting symptoms, nasal and oropharyngeal swab was taken and sent to NVRI Vom Laboratory for COVID-19 testing,” said the Commissioner.

The result on Thursday, the Commissioner said “sadly” returned positive thereby making the patient the State index case.