Covid-19: “Lockdown caused us hardship” says Governor Lalong

Recent restrictions on movements, religious and other public gatherings in Plateau State may have done more harm than the government’s intended good.

The restrictions aimed to contain the coronavirus disease and “effectively deal with its impact”, said the Governor, Thursday in Jos.

“While these measures have greatly helped, there is no doubt that they have caused hardship to all of us,” Lalong told Journalists.

The Governor lifted all the restrictions but gave specific guidelines “till further notice.”

In the Governor’s words, “The curfew imposed by the Federal Government from 10pm – 6am will continue to be observed until further directives are issued.

“There shall be no entry whatsoever, into public offices, banks, markets, stores, tricycles and vehicles without wearing facemasks.

“Violators of this order will be arrested and taken before the mobile courts.iv. Cultural festivals, anniversaries and large-scale gatherings remain banned.

“Ban on commercial motorcycles will remain in force, except Dispatch Riders and other essential service operators.vi. The ban on illegal Sunday markets on Ahmadu Bello Way, and Bukuru Metropolis remains in force.

“Churches and Mosques with large spaces shall be allowed to accommodate more than 50 worshippers under strict observance of the use of facemasks, social distancing, hand washing, use of infrared thermometers and use of sanitizers.

“All public places like Markets, Shops, Hotels, Restaurants that fail to comply with the hygiene or sanitation regulations, social distancing as well as use of facemasks shall be penalized and where appropriate, bear any cost or penalty as would be specified.

“All public places like Markets, Shops, Hotels, and Restaurants that fail to comply with the hygiene or sanitation regulations, social distancing as well as use of facemasks shall be shut down and the owners prosecuted.

“The Head of Civil Service has been directed to work out modalities for the resumption of other category of civil servants who have been working from home.

“While the Lockdown is relaxed within the State, inter-state borders shall remain closed with greater enforcement.

“All Schools are to remain closed.”

Lalong advised citizens to participate in “mass community testing” to be carried out in the State “to avoid further spread of the virus.”