In line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s national broadcast on Tuesday, Lagos State Governor,Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has gradually eased lockdown in the state and rolled out new directives to control the easing of the lockdown.
This was revealed in his media briefing on Wednesday, at the Lagos House, Marina, Lagos, where he also stated that about 1.5 million households have been covered in the state’s house to house case search.
The governor directed that all offices, business places, open markets and stores be opened daily from 9am till 3pm on selected days and only 60 per cent of staff strength should report for duty of which they must observe precautionary measures which include; social distancing, use of face masks, regular disinfection, provide hand-washing equipment, temperature checks and 60% maximum capacity.
“Public officers in the entire unified public service from grade levels 1-12 are to remain and work from home; unless otherwise directed by their Accounting Officers.
“For those on Grade Levels 13 and above, Accounting Officers will carry out a Needs Assessment of critical staff, identify essential officers and draw up a Flexible Work Roster in compliance with Social Distancing principles. The Head of Service will provide further details via a circular.”Sanwo-olu stated.
He also ordered that all entertainment centres, cinemas, arcades, bars, casinos, day clubs, nightclubs and beaches, swimming pools, gyms, barber-shops, spas, beauty salons and all public parks, including those in private and residential estates to remain closed for another two weeks and would be reviewed after two weeks.
“Let me, however, say this;as many of us that can continue to work online and remotely from the office, please let us do so. Online and Work-from-Home arrangements are highly encouraged to continue as much as is practicable.
“Businesses/Companies are encouraged to make adequate arrangement for the transportation of their staff to their places of work to reduce the risk of contagion and exposure while traveling on public transportation.
“Companies transporting their staff to work in their private transportation arrangements shall be expected to strictly adhere to the principles of social distancing as well as enjoin their staff to practice very high levels of hand and personal hygiene”.He said.
As directed by the governor, all schools in the state remain closed and suspension of all commercial motorcycling (Okada) operation in force. He also limited the operations of tricycle (keke napep) to only two passengers at most as well as placing a ban on vehicles carrying foods of more than 7 passengers into and out of Lagos.
“All commuters are to wear face masks and gloves. Buses to load 60% capacity, no standing and air conditioners be turned off. All places of worship remain closed until further notice”.
He imposed a dusk to dawn curfew in the state from Monday, May 4 which starts at 8pm and ends 6am.
The Governor appealed to all elderly persons and persons with underlying or pre-existing health conditions to stay indoors as much practicable and request the assistance of those not in the vulnerable or elderly category to help procure essential items they needed.
Sanwo-olu also revealed that whistle blower channels will be introduced for anyone who flaunts the directives.
“We will continue to monitor the public health situation; the economic impact of the lockdown and always adjust our responses accordingly,” He assured.
As disclosed by the governor himself at an ongoing press conference in Marina, the state government has discharged 49 more COVID-19 patients from its isolation centres at Yaba and Onikan to reunite with society bringing the total number of discharged patients in the state to 187.
