The Plateau State governor, Simon Lalong, has disclosed that no fewer than 58 health workers have contracted COVID-19, just as he said that the state is now in the community transmission stage.
Mr Lalong, who made the disclosure during the daily COVID-19 task force press briefing, explained that 10 doctors, 15 nurses, 3 CHEWs, 2 J/CHEWs, 3 pharmacist/technicians, 4 laboratory scientists, 1 lab technician, 1 record clerk, 1 watchman and 14 cleaners got infected.
Represented by Secretary to the Government of the State, Prof. Danladi Atu, the governor said about 14,816 samples had been tested at three testing centers in the state.
He said: “The state is now experiencing community transmission of the virus. This has made the state to commence mass testing of the citizens.
“Currently the state has been given a sample collection target of 87,000; meaning we have tested about 485 people per day.
“As at today July 28, 2020, we have tested a total of cumulative samples numbering 14,816 out of which 10,922 results have been received. Pending results are 3,894.
“From all the tests conducted, 982 have tested positive.”
He explained that 10 doctors, 15 Nurses, 3 CHEWs, 2 J/CHEWs, 3 pharmacist technicians, 4 laboratory scientists, 1 lab technician, 1 record clerk, 1 watchman and 14 cleaners, got infected.
Mr Lalong further stated that the total number of people on admission is 221, out of which 18 are in Riyom Trauma Hospital, 54 in Jos University Teaching Hospital, 70 in Plateau State Specialist Hospital and 7 in Bingham University Teaching Hospital.
“About 145 are on home management while the remaining are being moved to treatment centers. All those on admission are doing fine and responding to treatment.
“Cumulatively, we have discharged 446 persons and sadly recorded 19 deaths. We are observing 454 suspected cases at the moment,” he added.
Mr Lalong said 4,422 state civil servants were tested from its MDAs and 174 of them have tested positive.
He said a netting was held between the Government, Islamic religious and security agencies, on how to about Eid-el-Kabir festivities.
“That prayers at Eid grounds be suspended in the State and restricted to Friday Mosques only, while at the same time observing all Covid-19 protocols.
“Residents should strictly use Face Masks during the occasion and especially children conveying food items to neighbours.
“Movement of commercial vehicles is to be restricted, except in emergency cases.
“A two (2) day suspension on Tricycles movement shall be observed before and after the prayers, while the Federal Government Curfew from 10:00 pm to 4:00 am shall be enforced,” he said.
