PLATEAU: Lalong tests positive for coronavirus, goes into self-isolation

THE Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, has gone into isolation after testing positive for coronavirus.

It was fathered that a test was conducted on the entire first family of Plateau State this morning to ascertain the status of each member of the family.

The  results of the COVID-19 test conducted on the family showed  that Lalong had contracted the virus while members of his family tested negative.

With this development, Lalong is the third governor after his Lagos counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Kaduna governor, Nasir El-Rufai, to go on self-isolation after the country is hit by what is believed to a  second wave of the pandemic.

El-Rufai, who had earlier tested positive in March, has not disclosed whether he contracted the virus again.

Reports have it that he decided to self-isolate as a precautionary measure having come in contact with someone that tested positive for the virus.

Lalong’s COVID-19 status was confirmed in a statement released on Thursday by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr.  Simon Macham.

Macham added that the governor was asymptomatic and had gone into isolation to prevent the virus spread in the state while his close aides were being tested to ascertain their status.

He further disclosed that the governor would henceforth work from home during the period of treatment while all state matters requiring his physical presence would be handled by the Deputy Governor.

The statement reads: “The Governor uses the opportunity to urge all citizens of Plateau State to observe all COVID-19 protocols as the pandemic is still prevalent.

“He advises citizens to apply all precautionary measures, especially during the festive period by avoiding large gatherings, using facemasks, washing hands with soap and water, and adhering to personal hygiene measures”.