Is Plateau Ready for total LOCK DOWN?

Audu Alex Yibeikas (Sankara), Jos.

As the discourse around the COVID-19 Pandemic progresses, many have suggested means through which the spread can be contained.

While the Federal Government has outlined and implemented a number of containment measures, many Nigerians have described them as late and implementation slow.

Many especially on social media have called for the closure of International Flights at our Airports the week the index case was identified. However, it was delayed for weeks for reason best known to the authorities. Fast forward weeks later, as at today Tuesday 31st May, 2020, total number of confirmed cases in Nigeria is 131. To say no new cases will be identified in the nearest future is a case of hope.

Most of the cases recorded according to the Broadcast by the President, Muhammadu Buhari, have mostly come in contact with imported cases who came through Lagos & Abuja. Hence the decision to quarantine Lagos, Ogun and the FCT Abuja.

While other states have swiftly closed entry and exits from their states, others are yet to do so. Should it become necessary many have called for the closure of Inter-State Transportation, meaning motor parks will be affected. Meanwhile, enforcement of closure on markets are already taking effect in many states, with exemption of what is described as essential commodities.

Most places of worship have adopted the social distancing and hand washing. While others have resorted to online services.

Like most governments, the Plateau State Government is also grappling with containing the situation given the strategic position of Jos, the state capital as the door way to the North Eastern part of the country.

The State Government recently launched the COVID-19 endowment fund which will provide the private sector and spirited individuals the opportunity to contribute to the effort s of government in tackling the spread of the pandemic.

The question of total restriction of movement however becomes more disturbing when one goes through low income areas and experience how people are coping to survive, given that most of them were prior to the restrictions workers for daily bread. Should the Plateau State Government decide to enforce a total lockdown and restriction of movement, there is need to provide palliatives, especially food. Electricity and water supply should be made readily available and free for the period of the containment to encourage citizens to comply with the policy

During that period, every health facility, public or private should be encouraged to treat for free and immediately report all symptoms related to COVID-19.

Social Media users should be cautioned on spreading false and unverified news which will only cause panic and lead to the more social injuries that calm. Any symptom related to COVID-19 should be reported to the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) toll-free line 0800 970 000 0010.

Audu Alex Yibeikas is a public affairs commentator and an online journalist. Contact: nigeriastarline@gmail.com