Gov Lalong refutes news alleging confirmed COVID-19 case in Plateau

The Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong has debunked reports making the rounds on social media that there was an index case of COVID-19 recorded in Jos North Local Government Area of the state.

Governor Lalong who was reacting to the report in a statement late on Sunday said that there has been rising concern and palpable anxiety within and outside the state following the claim.

According to the report on social media; “one Hassan Sale, an influential personality from Gangare area of Jos, in Jos North LGA, an ally of Senator Bala Mohammad, Governor of Bauchi State, has developed symptoms similar to those of Coronavirus and has come in contact with the governor recently”.

Speaking through the State Commissioner of Information and Communication, Hon. Dan Manjang, the governor said that for the avoidance of doubt, the Government of Plateau State wishes to state unequivocally that the assertion is false.

Manjang said, “Since the circulation of this fake news, there has been rising concern and anxiety within and outside the state. For the avoidance of doubt, the Government of Plateau State wishes to state unequivocally that this assertion is false.

“Prior to this rumour, however, the Ministry of Health, Plateau State swiftly acted by taking the specimen of Hassan Sale, and sent same for examination.

“We are happy to announce to Plateau people and indeed to the whole world that both the preliminary and confirmatory results of the specimen standing in the name of Hassan Sale are negative.

“In the light of this development, therefore, Government wishes to call on all and sundry to discountenance such misinformation and also state categorically that as at this moment, there is no known case of Coronavirus found in the State.

“As the Chairman of the Plateau State COVID-19 Emergency Response Committee I wish to use this opportunity to appeal to Plateau people to continue to adhere to preventive measures by washing their hands regularly, staying at home and maintaining social distance,” he added.