By Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State says the state government has taken stringent measures toward ensuring that the Corona virus pandemic does not get to the state.
The Governor who disclosed this through his Deputy, Haruna Manu while briefing newsmen in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital says the state has no record of any reported case of the virus and is combat ready to fight any eventuality.
“We are however not complacent, as robust and proactive measures have already put in place to contain the spread of the Corona virus to any part of the State by constituting a technical Committee made up of medical personnel and season technocrats.
“The ban takes effect from Wednesday, 1st April 2020, except those that providing essential Services such as, Pharmacies, Food items and Filling stations.
“Let me caution that those measures should not be allowed to cause panic buying or be use by shop owners to hoard or hike the prices of goods and services – he said.
According to him, Governor Darius Ishaku has engage leadership of the two major religions in the state (Christian Association of Nigeria CAN and the Muslim Council) on the decision to restrict large gatherings in places of worships pending on when the situation improve.
” I urged Tarabans to cooperate and adopt the simple universally acceptable hygienic protocols such as, No handshaking, No hugging, washing of hands, use of Sanitizers and maintaining social distance amongst other similar measures.
He reminded Tarabans that the ban on public gathering of more than Twenty people is still in place so as to safeguard the people from the COVID 19 pandemic.
” As you are aware, we have taken bold step of closing down our interstate boarders to restrict movement into the state. The government apart from closing Schools, also directed civil servants on Grade levels 1- 12 to stay at home.
He said that the state government would continue to give updates on the situation as the need arises on the State media TTV, TSBS, NTA, National dailies and the Social Media handles for the purpose of dis eminating the right information to the public.
“We have taken precautions by stocking drugs, protective gears and hand Sanitizers. We have identified and equipped Isolation Centers.
He acknowledged the tremendous support and sacrifice of medical personnel at this crucial period.
“You are our first line of defense and I encourage you to continue to devote your time, energy and skills to defeat the virus.
He appreciated the Federal Government for the laudable steps so far taken, and assured that the state government is ready to partner with Federal Agencies to curb the spread of the virus to Taraba state.
” The instruction to stay at home and isolate remains the best approach to containing the COVID 19 pandemic. All hands must be on deck, if we must overcome the scourge of the virus.
Nasarawa Reporters 