Plateau to punish culprits who leaked COVID-19 index test result

Plateau state has launched an investigation into the leak of coronvirus test results, insists anyone found culpable would be punished accordingly.

The results and identities of two suspected cases of the COVID-19 patients went viral before the official announcement was made.

The tests were conducted at the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), testing centre in Vom.

The state commissioner of Information and Communication, Dan Manjang, in statement said government had commenced investigation of the circumstances surrounding the leak of the result.

He said the act which was “unprofessional” did not only breach ethical medical standards, but also exposed them to “negative consequences including stigmatisation and discrimination”.

He said “Government totally condemns this act which regrettably has the tendency of jeopardising its efforts at fighting the coronavirus pandemic that is ravaging the world.

In order not to allow that to happen, the Government has since commenced comprehensive investigations into the matter with a view to unraveling those responsible and applying the necessary punishment “.

The commissioner further explained that the investigation would cover the entire process of the test from sample collection, investigation and result dissemination, assuring members of the public not to be deterred by the leak of the result as necessary measures have been taken to forestall a repeat.