Schools, religious gatherings, entertainment remains closed as Sanwo-Olu eases COVID-19 lockdown
…Offices to open from 9am to 3pm
Ayodele Olalere
Sequel to Monday’s broadcast by President Muhammadu Buhari on plan to ease lockdown in Lagos, Ogun, FCT, starting from May 4, 2020, Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday announced measures on gradual easing of the lockdown in the state.
While briefing State House Correspondents at the State House, Marina, Sanwo-Olu said all schools, entertainment spots, religious gatherings, bars, clubs, remain closed for additional two weeks.
He however said offices can reopen and operates between 9am and 3pm.
The governor also announced he will inaugurate an enlarged committee comprising government and private sector players to work out gradual easing of the lockdown.
The committee will be inaugurated on Thursday, April 30, and will include members of the Nigeria Employers’ Consultation Association (NECA), Manufacturer Association of Nigeria (MAN), Road Transport Owners Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), state ministries of finance, budget and economics planning, commerce and industry among others.
He however cautioned business owners and offices must adhere strictly to the Covid-19 preventive measures such as social distancing, wearing of face masks, provision for hand washing and sanitizer at entrances to their premises.
“Also eateries and restaurants would be allowed to open between the hours of 9am and 3pm must only serve takeaway packs as people would not be allowed to sit in for their meals. They also to fully comply with Covid-19 protocols.
Similarly, open markets and stores would open from 9am to 3pm on selected days to be jointly worked out with market association,” he said.
On public transportation, the governor said all commercial vehicles must not carry passengers above 60 percent of their capacities, warning violating the measure would mean violation of the gradual easing of the lockdown directives and attract sanctions.
He said same measure is expected of tricycles otherwise called ‘Keke Marwa’.
On commercial motorcycles (Okada), he said operators would not be allowed to operate even after the lockdown, adding their operations defied the social distancing rule.
“All commercial transportation operators must wear face masks and provide hand sanitizers in their vehicles for passengers and not expected to turn on their air conditioning system while on operations,” the governor added.
“All schools in Lagos, from nursery to tertiary, both public and private would remain physically closed until further notice. They are, however, expected to explore media channels of reaching their students,” he further said.
The governor also said that all places of worship must remain close until further notice.
On interstate movement, Sanwo-Olu said vehicles conveying essential items including food and medicals would be allowed in and out of Lagos, but must not ferry more than 7 passengers, adding all entertainment spots such as beer parlours, hotels casino remain closed until further notice.
