…Drug Shops, Food Sellers Not Affected By Directive
The Lagos State Government, on Tuesday, took more restrictive measures to break the cycle of transmission of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in the State.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu directed all markets and stores trading in non-essential commodities to close for seven days. Starting from Thursday 26th March, 2020.
Sanwo-Olu, who gave update on Coronavirus at the State House, Marina on Tuesday also reviewed the minimum number of people that could gather at a time to 25 from the initial 50.
“All markets and stores except markets that are selling food items, water, medicines, and medical equipment and other related essential daily life-saving products are hereby directed to close effective from Thursday 26 March, 2020 for seven days at the first instance,” he said.
Only those selling essential products like food and medicals are allowed to open market.
He also ordered the closure of all public parks, swimming pools, gyms and others, with effect from Thursday.
“We have seen an increase in confirmed cases nationwide, with Lagos still leading, with the most number of newly confirmed cases. Here in Lagos, we have seen a jump in our number from 19 on Sunday afternoon to 29 as at this briefing,” he said.
The governor said the numbers of cases are increasing and this shows that the disease is already among us which requires proactiveness on the part of the state in isolating and handling suspected cases.
He implored the organised private sector to encourage many of their workers to work from home while banks should use their online platforms and only key staff should be at work.
“All fast foods, eateries, restaurants are enjoined to serve takeaway for all customers, with no in-dining service permitted whatsoever,” the governor said.
He also emphasised that shops in malls that do not sell essential products are also expected to shut down, effective on Thursday.
“We want to open up more markets in some of our schools and this will all be food markers where people can have access to foods and essentials,” he said.
Mr Sanwo-Olu further urged that travels to and from Lagos, whether by road or air should be avoided at the moment and all citizens should refrain from interstate travel of any kind until the worst of the crisis is left behind.
“This is not the time to visit a friend, no social events, weddings, naming ceremonies and parties. Anyone fluting any of the directives will face the wrath of the law,” he said.
While giving updates on the confirmed cases, Mr Sanwo-Olu said all the confirmed cases are at the infectious disease facility at Yaba and are doing well.
The state has identified other isolation centres in Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu and Lagos Island. It is also preparing two locations at Gbagada and Onikan to have a seamless coordinated approach towards a quick identification and isolation of suspected cases, the governor said.
The Governor said anyone caught flouting the new directives, as well as the previous guidelines, would face the full wrath of the law.
He said: “Law enforcement agencies and other relevant Lagos State protection agencies have been given clear orders to deal with recalcitrant offenders. We will not relent in ensuring strict compliance with our directives.
