Lalong’s chief of staff tests positive for COVID-19

Noel Donjur, chief of staff to Simon Lalong, governor of Plateau, has tested positive for COVID-19.

His COVID-19 status was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by Dan Manjang, commissioner of information and communication.

The development comes two days after Abe Aku, Plateau commissioner for commerce and industry, tested positive for the disease.

Following the announcement of the commissioner’s status on Wednesday, the governor directed all members of the state executive council (SEC) to go into self-isolation and get tested.

But Manjang said all other members of the SEC tested negative for COVID-19.

“The Chief of Staff to the Plateau State Governor, Noel Donjur, has tested positive for COVID-19 after the test that was conducted for members of the State EXCO on 1st July, 2020 following the directive of Governor Lalong,” the statement read.

“The outcome of the tests indicate that all other members of the State EXCO tested negative except the Chief of Staff who is asymptomatic and in good condition.

“Accordingly, health officials have commenced treatment for him at one of the isolation centres in the State capital, Jos, while members of his family and other contacts are being traced and tested.”

Manjang said other personal aides of the governor, permanent secretaries, heads of parastatals, as well as senior civil servants who had their samples taken for tests on Thursday are awaiting the results.

“Governor Lalong in the meantime continues to admonish citizens to adhere strictly to the guidelines issued to curtail the virus,” he added.