Coronavirus: Lagos Govt Speaks On Locking Down The State

The Lagos State Government has denied reports the state was on lockdown following the closure of some markets and stores to curtail the spread of coronavirus as announced on Tuesday by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Naija News reports that Commissioner for Information, Strategy and Security, Gbenga Omotoso, on Wednesday stated that the impression created by such reports is erroneous.

The Commissioner for Information said: “Lagos is not on lockdown despite the stringent measures introduced by the government,” he said.

“Mr. Governor, who is the Incident Commander, only urged private sector establishments to introduce measures that will support the government’s efforts at curtailing the spread of COVID-19.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu suggested that banks should enhance their online banking services to enable their customers have transactions without visiting banking halls.

“All markets that are not selling food, pharmaceutical products, water, medical equipment and other essential materials are to close down,” he stressed.

According to Omotoso, workers providing essential services such as Fire Service, Emergency, health, water, telecommunication, security, media and others are exempted from the directive.

The Commissioner said the initiatives being introduced by the government were to prevent any situation where more than 25 persons will gather in the same place at any time.

“The Sanwo-Olu Administration is concerned about the rising number of COVID-19 cases, hence it is adopting measures to keep residents safe.

“The government will continue to appraise the situation, consult various stakeholders and make further announcements to check the spread of this lethal disease.

“Residents should observe simple hygiene measures, such as washing hands with soap and water, covering mouth while sneezing or coughing and consulting a doctor when feeling ill. Anyone feeling unwell should stay indoors,” Omotoso said.

The Commissioner for Information, Strategy and Security urged residents to remain observant, prayerful and report all suspected cases of COVID-19 through the emergency hotlines – 08000CORONA, 08023169485, 08033535529, 08052817243.