Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, on Tuesday, ordered the closure of all markets in the state except food markets and those selling essential commodities due to rise in coronavirus.
The governor made this disclosure at a press briefing in Lagos after the outcome of a meeting at the statehouse.
According to Sanwo-Olu:
“It is not a total lockdown, we still want people on essential services to go about their normal activities. “We are trying to de-centralise markets in Lagos.
This is why we want to use some of our closed schools as markets, so people can buy food and medicine without going a long distance. “It is only when you are alive that you can talk about economics and finance.”
“All markets and stores except markets that are selling food items, water, medicines, and medical equipment and other related essential daily life-saving products are hereby directed to close effective from Thursday 26 March, 2020 for seven days at the first instance.”
The governor while adding that all public parks, gyms, swimming pools, workout stations in all public places are expected to shut until further notice. Coronavirus: Bauchi Governor Tests Positive
“We have seen an increase in confirmed cases nationwide, with Lagos still leading, with the most number of newly confirmed cases. Here in Lagos, we have seen a jump in our number from 19 on Sunday afternoon to 29 as at this briefing.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu implored the organised private sector to encourage their workers to work from home while banks should use their online platforms and only key staff should be at work.
“All fast foods, eateries, restaurants are enjoined to serve takeaway for all customers, with no in-dining service permitted whatsoever.”
More so, Governor Sanwo-Olu advised that travelling in and out of Lagos, should be avoided at the moment and all citizens should refrain from interstate travel of any kind until the pandemic is dealt with.
“This is not the time to visit a friend, no social events, weddings, naming ceremonies and parties. Anyone fluting any of the directives will face the wrath of the law.
While giving updates on confirmed cases, Mr Sanwo-Olu said that they are all at the infectious disease facility at Yaba and are doing well.
Lagos State, according to the Governor, has other isolation centres in Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu and Lagos Island, while it is also preparing two locations at Gbagada and Onikan, as part of efforts to have a seamless, coordinated approach towards quick identification and isolation of suspected cases.
