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Coronavirus: Plateau governor shuts markets, cuts recurrent expenditure by 40%  

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Simon Lalong



Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau state on Tuesday ordered the closure of all market places in the state.

Lalong, in a state broadcast, also urged the citizens to brace up for the harsh economic realities as government recurrent expenditure other than salaries and pensions will be cut by 40 per cent.

He said,

“My dear people of Plateau State, this period is one that we must face with optimism, prayers, and above all caution and precaution.

“With what we see around the world especially in countries with higher standards of living, our best chance as a developing nation is prevention.

“Therefore, I strongly advise all our citizens and visitors coming into Plateau State who recently returned from overseas or knows that they have had contact with any of the confirmed cases in the country to self-isolate for 14 days.

“In view of the crowds associated with markets, government is directing all markets to close effective 25th March 2020. Only traders selling food items, pharmaceuticals and cooking gas are to remain open.

“In addition, all street trading, street hawking, and begging are prohibited. The weekly Sunday markets at Ahmadu Bello Way, Bukuru and environs are hereby banned.

“For the avoidance of doubt, recurrent expenditure other than salaries and pensions will be cut by 40 percent; processes of fresh employment; implementation of the new minimum wage; funding of on-going projects among others, will be affected in the interim. Similarly, all allowances of political office holders are hereby slashed by 50 percent

Lalong noted that his administration had remained proactive in responding to the pandemic and also liaising closely with the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to tackle the disease.

According to him, all the precautionary measures were aimed at safeguarding the possible occurrence of the disease in the State.

The Governor advised all  citizens and visitors coming into Plateau State who recently returned from overseas or know that they have had contact with any of the confirmed cases in the country to self-isolate for 14 days.

He added that he had directed security agencies to begin enforcement and anyone found violating these orders would be arrested.

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