Lagos state governor Sanwo-Olu gives directives and guidelines on easing the lockdown on Monday 4th May
Following the announcement of the Federal government to ease the lockdown on Lagos, FCT and Ogun state, Sanwo-Olu has given directive and guidelines on how this ease will go down.
The governor in his address on media late last night, announced that the guide line is to perfect all measures put in place to control the spread and Contagion of the covid-19 virus.
The governor said that any cooperate or personal business reopening on Monday are allowed to operate from 9am-3pm only on selected days.
There will be curfew from 6pm to 8am all round the state.
Eateries and restaurants are allowed to open only for takeouts as in dinning is not allowed at the moment.
The governor announced that since transportation is a very important part of the lockdown ease, commuters are to wear face masks, wash their hands with soap and water, sanitise with alcohol based sanitiser. Commercial buses are not allowed to carry to full capacity.
The Governor also suspended the operation of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, across the State, with the exception of those used for courier and logistics purposes.
He also added that all churches, mosques, schools are to remain closed despite the ease as large gatherings are still not allowed.
Burials can go on once the precautions are duly adhered to with not more than 20 persons in attendance.
His full directive on the ease down reads;
“Markets and stores will be allowed to operate from 9am to 3pm on selected days which will be communicated.
Occupancy of malls must be 60% of original capacity and social distancing must be observed.
Wash basins and hand sanitisers must also be provided.
Eateries and restaurants will be open between 9am and 3pm but only for take-out and delivery services.
In-dining services are not allowed.
All food handlers and staff must go through exhaustive health checks, temperature checks and a high level of hygiene must be maintained.
Transportation is a critical part of our plan in easing The Lockdown and to reduce the risk of contagion, all commuters must wear masks, wash hands with soap, water and sanitise with alcohol based sanitiser.
Vehicles, parks and garages must be sanitised regularly and continuously.
All buses must be loaded at 60% capacity.
In practical terms, if seating capacity is 10, only 6 people are allowed.
Transport operators/companies must have hand washing equipment with running water and soap.
Social distancing is also required while queuing up.
In #EasingTheLockdown, there will be no standing in BRT and LBSL buses.
Water transportation will be restricted between 6am and 6pm daily.
Commercial motorcycles(Okadas) will suspend activities statewide while tricycles will have 2 passengers per trip in non restricted areas.
Entertainment centres, cinemas, arcades, bars, casinos, day clubs, nightclubs, beaches, pools, gyms, salons, barber shops, spas, and public parks both private and public in all parts of the state will remain closed for the next 2 weeks.
All places of worship both formal and informal will remain closed for any form of congregational services.
Our Muslim brothers and sisters taking part in Ramadan must observe all prayers and meals within their homes as no gatherings are allowed.
As I announced in my last address, funerals are permitted and encouraged with strict adherence to the published directives.
Size of gatherings must not exceed 20 including officiating ministers, physical distancing must be observed and all guests must return home.
There will be a curfew from 8pm to 6am. This means we expect all Lagosians to stay in their homes during the curfew.
Furthermore, there is also a ban on interstate travel at this time.
This means no one will be allowed in and out of Lagos till further notice.
We are also inaugurating a committee with representatives from NURTW, RTEAN, Private Transport Operators, Nigeria Employers Consultative Association, Manufacturing Association of Nigeria(MAN) and all the Lagos state ministries responsible.
This committee will be charged with the responsibility of communicating, to their members, the framework on the controlled easing of the lockdown so that we can all fully understand what is expected from us.
Let us remember that we are in unprecedented times; which call for unprecedented responses. We will have to adjust our behaviour in ways that will be painful and uncomfortable.
Let us see these adjustments as a small price to pay to guarantee victory over an unrelenting enemy.
I want to specially thank everyone who has donated to the Lagos state COVID19 Response, by way of cash, medical equipment and other essential materials. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.”