I Will Be The First To Take COVID-19 Vaccine – Lalong

• Plateau State Would Criminalize denial of COVID-19 in the state
• Plateau State records higher cases of COVID-19 Daily

In spite of the morbid apprehension in the minds of Nigerians over the efficacy of the much expected COVID-19 vaccine, Plateau State governor Simon Lalong said he would be among the volunteers to take the drug before others.

The social media is awash with a warning from medical experts telling people of Africa and why they should reject the use of the expected vaccine.

Lalong described social media’s campaign against the expected vaccine as “conspiracy theories” being peddled by some people.

Gov Lalong stated this while addressing stakeholders in the state over issues affecting the state, especially the 2nd wave of COVID-19 security, and other domestic issues.

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Lalong, who insisted that most of the information attacking the expected vaccine are rumours that have not been substantiated and people should ignore them.

Lalong said, “The most worrisome point here is that despite this situation, most citizens appear to be careless and reluctant to observe the COVID-19 protocols. In fact, many have abandoned and refused to observe simple protocols of wearing face masks, maintaining social distance and washing hands regularly.

“The state is recording more daily cases of the second wave of the coronavirus in the state than previously, the state is also recording an increasing number of deaths.

“This worries me a lot because this recklessness is further exposing more people to the virus and then increasing the casualty figures. While we have no intention of imposing another lockdown to avoid further damage to the economy, some members of the public are not helping us.”

The governor announced that the government has decided to criminalise further denial of the disease in the State. “If you deny the existence of the disease, keep your denial to yourself because if you are caught propagating it or instigating others to follow you, you will be arrested and prosecuted no matter how highly placed you might be.

Lalong stated that the state is still hopeful that the drugs being developed by the Plateau State Medical Research Team, which are currently undergoing clinical examination, will pass the necessary approvals. This, according to him, will also provide another option for prevention and treatment.