Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong, has tested positive for COVID-19.
The governor tested positive after a test carried on him and members of his family.
Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Makut Macham, confirmed the development in a statement in Jos on Thursday.
The statement said the governor’s test result returned positive while all members of his family tested negative.
Noting that Lalong, who is asymptomatic, has gone into isolation while his close aides are being tested, Macham added that the governor had equally directed his Deputy, Sonny Tyoden, to handle all state matters in his absence.
According to the statement, “As a result, the Governor will henceforth work from home during the period of treatment.
“All state matters requiring the Governor’s physical presence will be handled by the Deputy Governor.
“The Governor uses the opportunity to urge all citizens of Plateau State to observe all COVID-19 protocols as the pandemic is still prevalent.
“He advises citizens to apply all precautionary measures especially during the festive period by avoiding large gatherings, using facemasks, washing hands with soap and water and adhering to personal hygiene measures.”
Other governors who had tested positive for the virus and recovered include the Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi; Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu; Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed; Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State, amongst others.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, also recently tested positive for the infection.