COVID-19: Lagos issues modalities for relaxing lockdown

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has announced modalities for easing the COVID-19 lockdown imposed on the State by President Muhammadu Buhari; saying, beginning from May 4, 2020, businesses would be allowed to operate within a framework called ‘Controlled Easing Phase’ from 9am to 3pm daily.

Sanwo-Olu, who said this during his ninth update on coronavirus, said that companies that choose to operate within this Controlled Easing Phase must operate at a maximum of 60 percent of their staff capacity.

“It is a gradual and controlled easing of the lockdown. We will continue to monitor the public health situation; the economic impact of the lockdown and always adjust our responses accordingly,” he said, while he encouraged people to continue to work online and from home.

He directed that banks and financial Institutions can open their branches and offer their full complement of services to the general public because of the significant role they play in the economy, while still observing the operational working hours of 9am to 3pm.

“Very important for me to mention is that these Banks are also to ensure regular cleaning and decontamination of the various ATM machines,” he said.

All public officers in the entire unified public service from grade levels 1-12, according to Sanwo-Olu, are to remain and work from home; unless otherwise directed by their Accounting Officers. He however noted that this directive does not apply to essential service providers.

Commenting on the education sector, he directed all Schools and Institutions at primary, secondary and tertiary levels to remain physically closed, while he encouraged students to continue learning on the alternative online and media channels announced by the various institutions of learning.

Also, places of worship (both formal and informal) are to remain closed from any form of congregational services or assemblage, until further notice.

“Our Muslim brothers and sisters taking part in the Ramadan Fast must observe all meals and prayers within their homes. In line with the pronouncement of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), no gatherings are allowed for Iftar, Suhur, and Tarawih; and the conduct of Tafsir is also suspended.”