Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Sunday declared a total lockdown in the state after the second case of Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection was confirmed in the state.
Oyetola said there would be no movement within the State during the lockdown while those on essential duties such as health personnel, fire service, environmental officials, security personnel, power and water supply agencies, media and telecommunication officers will be on duty.
He said the decision became imperative in view of the devastating nature of the pandemic, adding that the first priority of any responsive and responsible government is to respond effectively to protect its citizens when an emergency occurs.
Oyetola, who expressed sadness over the latest incident, reiterated that the decision remained the only way to go if the State was to contain the spread of the disease.
“Following a review of our current situation, we have in addition to the subsisting measures taken in the past one week, decided to shut down all our boundaries, effective from midnight Sunday, March 29, 2020.
“In addition, a complete lockdown of the State will come into effect from midnight, Tuesday, March 31, 2020
“We believe this is the way to go, if we must contain the spread of this virus. To this end, we urge citizens and residents to take advantage of the hours between now and Tuesday to stock up provisions that will last them two weeks in the first instance.
“During the lockdown, there will be no movement within the state. The closed boundaries also mean there will be no inter-state movements.
“However, those on essential duties such as health personnel, fire service, environmental officials, security personnel, power and water supply agencies, media and telecommunication officers will be on duty. Also, pharmaceutical and medical outfits will be allowed to open.
“We have mandated and mobilised the State’s taskforce and security operatives to enforce measures to the letter. We, therefore, strongly advise our people to remain in their homes during the period of the lockdown.
“When an emergency occurs, such as the one at hand, the first priority of any responsive and responsible government is to respond effectively to protect its citizens. This is what we will continue to do”, Oyetola added.
The governor urged the residents not to panic by the new measures but continue to adhere to government’s instructions and directives on the need for them to continue to take necessary precautions, including regular washing of hands with water and soap and also maintain the prescribed social distancing.
He lauded critical stakeholders in the state led by the former Health Minister, Prof. Isaac Adewole; taskforce and health officers for their selfless service to humanity.
