Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau State on Monday met with critical stakeholders amidst the rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in the state, as the government seeks measures to stem the tide.
The Governor decried the high level of non-adherence to the COVID-19 safety guidelines by citizens of the state.
Lalong while addressing the critical stakeholders which include senior citizens and religious leaders in the state, at the Banquet hall of the Government House in Jos, said, “the biggest challenge remains the lack of compliance to guidelines and protocols, denials and resistance to contact tracing and testing by some individuals.
“That is why we need the support and cooperation of critical stakeholders like you to overcome these challenges.
According to him, “Your presence here today is therefore very crucial as we work together to take measures that will lead to greater sensitization and enforcement within your spheres of influence.
“We need to curtail further spread of the disease by engaging our people to take personal responsibility for their health and the health of others, ” he maintained.
“Many people are not using facemasks, nor washing their hands or maintaining social distancing. Indeed others carry on as if there is no COVID-19, even though we have recorded deaths that are associated with the disease”, he lamented.
“We need to engage our people more and let them know that this pandemic may stay with us for a longer time”, Lalong stressed.
“I am also looking forward to receiving feedback from you on what you think we can do better to salvage our State from the threat of this pandemic.
“We are facing a difficult challenge that requires us to all work together in the interest of our people.
“As Governor, I want to reassure you and the entire people of Plateau State of the commitment of my administration to not only work towards overcoming this disease, but also ensure that our State makes progress.
“I am in constant touch with the Federal Government, the private sector and international partners to ensure that our State receives the attention it deserves”.
DAILY POST reports that 3, 231 COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the state as at today, as so far 31 people have died as a result of the pandemic.
