Plateau State governor, Simon Lalong is now free of COVID-19 after his latest test returned negative. This is after he has spent about one week in isolation for testing positive for the infection.
Meanwhile, the State Chairman of All Progressive Congress (APC), Hon. Latep Dabang has tested positive for the COVID-19.
According to a statement signed by the Director of Press Affairs to the governor, Dr. Makut Simon Machan, Governor Lalong’s negative status was communicated to him on Wednesday night.
Lalong who has been on isolation since December 17, 2020 appreciated God for healing him of the virus and also thanked the people of the state, his friends and associates all over the country for praying for him.
He again called on the citizens of the state to take the pandemic very seriously by observing all protocols for the prevention of infection and transmission.
On stigmatisation, the governor said “having contacted the virus and undergone treatment myself, I wish to reiterate that COVID-19 is not a death sentence as early detection helps to address it and reduce chances of death. We should not stigmatise against anyone who tests positive or is suspected of having the disease. Rather, such people should serve as motivation for others to voluntarily test in order to improve the safety of all.”
Meanwhile, APC chairman in the state, Dabang tested positive for the virus.
Disclosing his status, Dabang said the results of the test he underwent a couple of days ago returned yesterday and it was positive.
Though at an asymptomatic stage, the APC chairman has already gone into self-isolation while treatment has also commenced on him in line with all COVID-19 protocols.
A close family source said though the party chairman looks healthy there is the need to pray for his speedy recovery even as samples of his family members have also been carried and results expected.