Coronavirus: LASG Debunks Total Lockdown Allegation

By Akinwale Kasali

The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration in Lagos State has broken its silence over alleged total Lockdown of the State following the outbreak of the pandemic Coronavirus.

The Lagos State Government, through the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, debunked the story that the state Governor has ordered a total lockdown in a bid to curtail the spread of coronavirus in the state.

In a Statement, Omotoso, said the state is not on lockdown despite the measures introduced by the government to curtail the spread of COVID-19.

He stressed that Governor Sanwo-Olu, 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.

He said the initiatives being introduced by the government are measures to prevent situations where more than 25 persons will gather in the same place at a time.

“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 Commissioner further said that Governor Sanwo-Olu’s 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.”

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