THE Plateau state government has said it will place people above 65 years on drugs to boost their immunity, as part of preventive measures of the deadly COVID-19.
The drugs are Hydroxylchloroqine, Azithroyicin and Zinc Sulphate, the commissioner of Health, Nimkong Ndam, disclosed, during the State Governors meeting with the state Legislature, and other stakeholders, at New Government House, Jos.
“Some drugs that are helpful to our people will be used. Studies have shown that drugs such as hydroxylchloroquine, azithromyicin and zinc sulphate has been discovered to be helpful in the treatment of COVID-19, therefore the state government has made provision for them”, he said.
According to the commissioner, the federal government has increased testing centres in the country from 5 to 13 and Plateau state has been selected as one of such additional testing centres for COVID-19.
Mr Ndam also said that infrared thermometers were being used at the entry points for Plateau-Abuja routes to check the passengers entering the state and to monitor them.
The commissioner explained that the recent results of five suspected cases of COVID-19 in the state had turned negative, urging Plateau citizens to adhere to the rules of social distancing and personal hygiene.
”The state would begin training of health workers on Tuesday, 31st March 2020, selected from different hospitals, to update their skills in how to handle COVID-19 cases” he said adding that Government has purchased Personal Protection Equipment(PPE), to protect the health workers”
Also speaking at the forum, the chairman of APC in Plateau, Mr. Latep Dabang, urged Plateau residents to comply with preventive measures as directed by the government, calling for more sensitisation despite the zero record of the virus in the state.
Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly Ayuba Nuhu Abok in his remarks also commended the Governor for all proactive measures taken so far to prevent the virus.
On his part, Secretary to the Government of the State Prof. Danladi Abok Atu also revealed that the State has opened a COVID TRUST FUND Account, calling on corporate organisations and individuals to contribute to the fight against the disease.
– The Nigeria Standard