COVID-19: Lagos is not on lockdown —Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State government on Wednesday dismissed reports that the state is on lockdown following the growing cases of coronavirus in the country, particularly the state where more than 20 people have been infected by the disease.

The government in a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, described as erroneous the impressions created by the reports, adding that Lagos is not on lockdown despite the stringent measures taken by the Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to check the spread of the disease.

According to the commissioner, the initiatives introduced by the government are to prevent any situation where more than 25 persons will gather in the same place at any time.

He said the government is concerned about the rising number of COVID-19 cases, hence it is adopting measures to keep the residents safe.

The statement read: “The impression created by such reports (lockdown) is erroneous; Lagos is not on lockdown despite the stringent measures introduced by the government.

“Mr. Governor, who is the Incident Commander, only urged the 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.

“Workers providing essential services – Fire Service, Emergency, health, water, telecommunication, security, media, and others – are exempted from this directive.

“The initiatives being introduced by the government are 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.

READ ALSO: COVID-19: Ekiti govt orders closure of markets

“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.

“We should remain observant, prayerful and report all suspected cases of COVID-19 through the emergency hotlines – 08000CORONA, 08023169485, 08033535529, 08052817243.”

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