Lagos State Governor announces new measures for the ease of lockdown from May 4

Ahead of the Monday expiration of the ‘total’ lockdown imposed by the Federal Government on Lagos State, Ogun State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has announced strict framework for movement and re-opening of businesses starting from Monday, May 4.

While addressing the media on Wednesday, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu said the new set of guidelines are to safeguard the progress which the state has made in the past four weeks in the fight against the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. 

Concerning the Transport system, the governor said all passenger buses will not be permitted to load to full capacity. All commercial vehicles, must carry maximum of 60 per cent of full capacity and their drivers must use face mask and observe other prescribed hygiene tips.

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 directed the drivers of tricycles (popularly known as Keke NAPEP) operating in unrestricted areas not to carry more than two passengers per trip and the passengers must keep appropriate distance.

He announced that food handlers at public eateries and restaurants have been mandated to wear masks and hand gloves at all times, especially during the preparation and serving of foods. Only take-out meals and delivery services will be permitted at eateries and restaurant, adding that in-dining services will not be allowed at the moment.

The Governor added that all businesses that will re-open next week must operate between the hours of 9am to 3pm and this new directive on business operating hours affects all corporate firms, banks, malls and local markets.

“Following the culmination of the second phase of the lockdown on Lagos, Ogun and the FCT, and the nationwide address by President Muhammadu Buhari, it has become imperative for me to address our residents and to share a broader framework for the implementation of the President’s directives here in Lagos.

There will be a dusk-to-dawn curfew from 8pm to 6am daily. This means that we expect all Lagos residents to stay in their homes in these hours, except those in essential services.

All commuters are mandated to wear face masks at all times, sanitise with alcohol-based sanitizer or wash their hands with soap and running water before and after of every trip. All motor parks and garages must avoid overcrowding. Social distancing is required for passengers queuing up to board buses.

All buses should be loaded to a maximum of 60 per cent of full capacity. No standing allowed in all BRT and LBSL bus operations. All air- conditioning systems in public transport systems must be switched off.

Commercial Motorcycles, popularly known as Okadas, are to suspend their operations statewide, except for those motorcycles used for courier and logistics purposes. Tricycles (Kekes) operating in unrestricted areas, must not carry more than two passengers per trip and must ensure appropriate social distancing is maintained between passengers.”

In addition, the Governor announced the restriction of operating hours of water transportation companies to the period between 6am and 6pm daily. He said under no circumstance should vehicles carrying food items have more than seven passengers.

The governor also announced that all public and private schools from primary to tertiary education must remain closed and asked schools to continue with the online classes and lessons they started a few weeks ago.

The Governor added that businesses will be allowed to operate within “Controlled Easing Phase” framework, clarifying that the easing of the lockdown was not a directive for the full reopening of the economy.

“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,” the Governor said.

Speaking further, the governor said,

“Companies that choose to operate within this Controlled Easing Phase are to operate between 9am and 3pm. They are also directed to operate at a maximum of 60 per cent of their staff capacity. Some non-essential workers can continue to work online and remotely from the office. Online and work-from-home arrangements are highly encouraged to continue as much as is practicable.

“All entertainment centres, such as event centres, cinemas, arcades, bars, casinos, day clubs, nightclubs and beaches shall remain closed till further notice. Swimming pools, gyms, barber-shops, Spas, beauty salons, and all public parks, including those in private and residential estates, will continue to remain closed for another two weeks in the instance, at which point we will review and advise on the permissible opening date for these establishments.”

Governor Sanwo-Olu said the government’s whistleblower channels would be fully opened to report companies that would flout the new directives. He said whistleblowers would be guaranteed full protection and their identities will be kept strictly confidential.

He also announced that he would inaugurate a Committee on Thursday, which will comprise representatives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Private Transport Operators, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), and the Lagos State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget.

The committee, he said, will be charged with the responsibility of communicating the new State Government’s framework to their members for ease of implementation and compliance.

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COVID-19: 196 new cases recorded in Nigeria

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has recorded 196 new cases of Covid-19 in Nigeria.

According to the records provided by the NCDC, 87 of the new cases were recorded in Lagos, 24 in Kano, 18 in Gombe, 17 in Kaduna, 16 in FCT, 10 in Katsina, 8 in Sokoto, 7 in Edo 6 in Borno, 1 in Yobe, 1 in Ebonyi and 1 in Adamawa State. 

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Covid-19: Banks to open between 8am to 2pm

The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID19 has released the guidelines for the ease of the lockdown in Lagos, Ogun and the FCT which will take effect from Monday May 4.

Briefing newsmen on the guidelines for the ease of the lockdown, the National coordinator of the Presidential taskforce on COVID19, Sani Aliyu, said Interstate travels remain banned except for essential services. For intrastate activities, banks are to open between the hours of 8pm to 2pm while adhering to all the COVID-19 prevention guidelines. .

Schools and restaurants are to remain closed. Restaurants can do home deliveries. Concerts and Recreational activities stay suspended for now.

”For government offices, government staff will be allowed to resume from the 4 of May but it will be based on specific grade levels and specific days so that we can reduce the amount of congestion that we might have in our government offices and we will be discussing further with state governments to make sure that we have a common approach to this.

Banks will be allowed to open but there will be restriction in the opening hours to between 8am to 2pm and together with all the other preventive measures I have already mentioned.

In addition to this, from the point of agriculture and rural development, companies involved in food processing can commence operation. In construction sites, critical roads will be allowed but waivers will be provided by state governments to enable movement.

For the manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries, we will encourage shift work and limiting staff to only 30 to 50 per cent to maintain social distancing and pharmacy shops may remain open overnight.” Sani said.

Also speaking, the chairman of the Presidential Taskforce on COVID19, Boss Mustapha, said management of various offices are expected to fumigate and decontaminate their offices before they commence operations.

Mustapha added that they are also expected to make arrangement for physical distancing of their staff while at work, ensure all staff use face mask and hand sanitizer.

He also announced that all passenger flights remain banned.

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Covid-19 affects kidney, blood – Prof. Abayomi

Lagos State Health Commissioner, Prof Akin Abayomi, has said that the coronavirus infection affects the kidney and the blood.

He made this known on Wednesday morning during a programme on Arise News.

The commissioner warned that obese, diabetic, and hypertensive persons should be “very careful” as their condition pose a likely risk of being infected with the lethal virus.

“There are new discoveries about the COVID-19 virus. For instance, it is not a straightforward respiratory problem. We have found out that it impacts the blood, the kidneys.

“The common denominator are diabetes, hypertension, and underlying immunological problems. Obesity is also a possible risk factor. We watch such people closely. If you fall into any of these categories, you have to be very careful,” he said.

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Man arrested after he and his wife hired assassins to kill neighbour

Idimu Police Division in Lagos has arrested one Rasaq Babalola while his wife identified as Mama Raheem is on the run after they allegedly conspired and paid assassins to eliminate his neighbour, Emeka Anozie, at Agbo Komolafe Street, Idimu Lagos, over Covid-19 palliative during the current lockdown.

Trouble was said to have started after the victim, Emeka Anozie, engaged the services of a chef to cook food in order to share to people in their neighbourhood as palliative during the current lockdown. The couple was said to be unhappy over the benevolence to the people and attempted to stop Anozie but he ignored them. He went on, cooked the food and shared to the people around.

According to Anozie, later after the incident, Rasaq’s children started throwing stones at his window and when he tried to caution them through their mother, the woman flared up and threatened to deal with him.

Anozie said the next day, some armed men, numbering about 14, invaded his apartment, beat him to stupor, collected his phones, and attempted to take him away in their waiting Toyota car but people in their neighbourhood frustrated them and they escaped.

Mr. Anozie then rushed to the Police in the pool of blood to report the incident and was referred to the hospital for treatment. The following day, while still in the hospital, armed men in Military uniforms invaded his apartment looking for him in order to eliminate him.

However, they met his absence and attacked his two younger brothers, destroyed his two televisions, other properties inside, looted his safe containing huge sums of money and escaped. He said that the operation was led by both Rasaq and his wife who is now at large.

When Rasaq was contacted, he admitted that he hired assassins including the armed soldiers to attack Mr. Anozie and blamed everything on his wife and in-laws, who he said arranged the whole thing.

It was gathered that it was not the first time such had been done to the tenants, who had lived in the house in the past, before the current incident happened.

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COVID-19: 195 new cases reported in Nigeria

195 new cases of #COVID-19 has been reported in Nigeria by the NCDC;

80-Lagos
38-Kano
15-Ogun
15-Bauchi
11-Borno
10-Gombe
9-Sokoto
5-Edo
5-Jigawa
2-Zamfara
1-Rivers
1-Enugu
1-Delta
1-FCT
1-Nasarawa

As at 11:50pm 28th April- 1532 confirmed cases of #COVID19 reported in Nigeria.

No of Discharged persons: 255
Total no. of Deaths: 44

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Covid-19: 64 new cases recorded in Nigeria

64 new cases of Coronavirus have been confirmed in Nigeria, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

A break down of the Coronavirus cases in each state is as follows; 34 – Lagos, 15 – FCT, 11 – Borno, 2 – Taraba, 2 – Gombe. 

As at 11:20pm on Monday April 27, there are 1337 confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Nigeria.  255 patients have recovered and 40 deaths have been recorded. 

For a total breakdown according to states, and the FCT, read below:

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PMB extends lockdown in Lagos, Ogun and FCT by one week, imposes dusk to dawn curfew

President Muhammadu Buhari has extended the lockdown in Lagos, Ogun and Federal Capital Territory until May 4.

He said a dusk to dawn curfew will take effect in all three cities and other parts of the country after that day as a way of further curtailing the spread of Coronavirus.

He said that only those on essential services will be allowed to move during the curfew period.

He made the announcement during a nationwide broadcast on Monday.

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Full Text of President Muhammadu Buhari’s address to Nigerians

ADDRESS BY H.E. MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE CUMULATIVE LOCKDOWN ORDER OF LAGOS AND OGUN STATES AS WELL AS THE FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY ON COVID- 19 PANDEMIC AT THE STATE HOUSE, ABUJA MONDAY, 27th APRIL, 2020

1. Fellow Nigerians

2. I will start by commending you all for the resilience and patriotism that you have shown in our collective fight against the biggest health challenge of our generation.

3. As at yesterday, 26th April 2020, some three million confirmed cases of COVID nineteen have been recorded globally with about nine hundred thousand recoveries. Unfortunately, some two hundred thousand people have also diedpassed away as a result of this pandemic.

4. The health systems and economies of many nations continue to struggle as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

5. Nigeria continues to adopt and adapt to these new global realities on a daily basis. This evening, I will present the facts as they are and explain our plans for the coming month knowing fullyfully aware that some key variables and assumptions may change in the coming days or weeks.

6. Exactly two weeks ago, there were three hundred and twenty three confirmed cases in 20 States and the Federal Capital Territory.

7. As at this morning, Nigeria has recorded one thousand two hundred and seventy-three cases across 32 States and the FCT. Unfortunately, these casesthis includes 40 deathsfatalities.

8. I will useam using this opportunity to express our deepest condolences to the families of all Nigerians that have lost their lives loved ones as a result of the COVID nineteen Pandemic. This is our collective loss and we share in your grief.

9. Initial models predicted that Nigeria will record an estimated two thousand confirmed cases in the first month after the index case.

10. This means that despite the drastic increase in the number of confirmed cases recorded in the past two weeks, the measures we have put in place thus far have yielded positive outcomes against the projections.

11. The proportion of cases imported from other countries has reduced to only 19% of new cases, showing that our border closures yielded positive results. . These are mostly fellow Nigerians returning through our land borders. We will continue to enforce land border arrival protocols as part of the containment strategy.

12. Today, the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has accredited 15 laboratories across the country with an aggregate capacity to undertake 2,500 tests per day across the country.

13. Based on your feedback, Lagos the State Government and the FCT with support from NCDC is hasve established several sample collection centers in Lagos and the FCT. They are also reviewing their laboratory testing strategy to further increase the number of tests they can perform including the accreditation of selected private laboratories that meet the accreditation criteria.

14. Several new fully equipped treatment and isolation centres have been operationalised across the country thereby increasing bed capacity to about three thousand. At this point, I will commend the State Governors for the activation of State-level Emergency Operation Centres, establishment of new treatment centres and the delivery of aggressive risk communication strategies.

15. Over ten thousand healthcare workers have been trained. For their protection, additional personal protective equipment have been distributed to all the states. Although we have experienced logistical challenges, we remain committed to establish a solid supply chain process to ensure these heroic professionals are can work safely and are properly equipped.

16. In keeping with our Government’s promise to improve the welfare of healthcare workers, we have signed a memorandum of understanding on the provision of hazard allowances and other incentives with key health sector professional associations. We have also procured insurance cover for five thousand frontline health workers. At this point, I must commend the insurance sector for their support in achieving this within a short period of time.

17. Nigeria has also continued to receive support from the international community, multilateral agencies, the private sector and public-spirited individuals. This support has ensured that critical lifesaving equipment and materials, which have become scarce globally, are available for Nigeria through original equipment manufacturers and government-to-government processes.

18. The distribution and expansion of palliatives which I directed in my earlier broadcast is still on going in a transparent manner. I am mindful of the seeming frustration being faced by expectant citizens. I urge all potential beneficiaries to exercise patience as we continue to fine tune our logistical and distribution processes working with the State Governments.

18.19. I have directed the Central Bank of Nigeria and other financial institutions to make further plans and provisions for financial stimulus packages for small and medium scale enterprises. We recognise the critical role that they play in Nigeria’s economy.

19.20. Our Security Agencies continue to rise to the challenge posed by this unusual situation. While we feel deeply concerned about isolated security incidents involving hoodlums and miscreants, I want to assure all Nigerians that your safety and security remains our primary concern especially in these exceedingly difficult and uncertain times. As we focus on protecting lives and properties, we will not tolerate any human rights abuses by our security agencies. The few reported incidences are regrettableregrettable, and I want to assure you that the culprits will be brought to justice.

20. I urge all Nigerians to continue to cooperate and show understanding whenever they encounter security agents. Furthermore, for their protection, I have instructed the personnel of the security agencies be provided with the necessary personal protective equipment for their own protection.
21.

21.22. As we continue to streamline our response in the epicenters of Lagos and the FCT, I remain am concerned about the unfortunate developments in Kano in recent days. Although an in-depth investigation is still ongoing, we have decided to deploy additional Federal Government human, material and technical resources to strengthen and support the State Government’s efforts. We will commence implementation immediately.

22.23. In Kano, and indeed many of other States that are recording new cases, preliminary findings show that such cases are mostly from interstate travel and emerging community transmission.

23.24. Drawing from these, I implore all Nigerians to continue to adhere strictly to the advisories published by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. These include rRegular hand washing, social physical distancing, wearing of face masks/coverings in public, avoidance of non-essential movement and travels and avoidance of large gatherings remain paramount.

24.25. Fellow Nigerians, for the past four weeks, most parts of our country have been under either Federal Government or State Government lockdowns. As I mentioned earlier, these steps were necessary and overall, have contributed to slowing down the spread of COVID nineteen in Nigeria.

25.26. However, such lock downs have also coame at a very heavy economic cost. Many of our citizens have lost their means of livelihoods. Many businesses have also shut down. No country can afford the full impact of a sustained lockdown while awaiting the development of vaccines or cures.

26.27. In my last address, I mentioned the Federal Government will develop strategies and policies that will protect lives while preserving livelihoods.

27.28. In these two weeks, the Federal and State Governments have jointly and collaboratively worked hard on thishow to balance the need to protect health while also preserving livelihoods, leveraging global best practice while keeping in mind our peculiar circumstances.

28.29. We looked atassessed how our factories, markets, traders and transporters can continue to function while at the same time respecting adhering to the NCDC guidelines on hygiene and social distancing.

29.30. We assessed how our children can continue to learn without compromising their health.

30.31. We reviewed how our farmers can safely plant and harvest in this rainy season to ensure our food security is not compromised. Furthermore, we also discussed how to safely transport food items from rural production areas to industrial processing zones and ultimately, to the key consumption centers.

31.32. Our goal was to develop implementable policies that will ensure our economy continues to function with while still maintaining our aggressive response to the COVID nineteen pandemic. These same difficult decisions are being faced by leaders around the world.

32.33. Based on the above and in line with the recommendations of the Presidential Task Force on COVID nineteen, the various Federal Government committees that have reviewed socio-economic matters and the Nigeria Governors Forum, I have approved for a phased and gradual easing of lockdown measures in FCT, Lagos and Ogun States effective from Saturday, 2nd May, 2020 at 9am.

33.34. However, this will be followed strictly with aggressive reinforcement of testing and contact tracing measures while allowing the restoration of some economic and business activities in certain sectors.

34.35. The highlights of the new nationwide measures are as follows;
a. Selected businesses and offices can open from 9am to 6pm;
b. There will be an overnight curfew from 8pm to 6am. This means all movements are will be prohibited during this period except essential services;
c. There will be a ban on non-essential inter-state passenger travels until further notice;
d. There will be Ppartial and controlled interstate movement of goods and services will be allowed to allowfor the movement of goods and services from producers to consumers; and
e. We will strictly ensure the mandatory use of face masks or coverings in public in addition to maintaining physical distancing and personal hygiene. Furthermore, the restrictions of on social and religious gathers shall remain in place. State Governments, corporate organisations and philanthropists are encouraged to support the production of cloth masks for citizens.

35.36. For the avoidance of doubt, the lockdown in the FCT, Lagos & Ogun States shall subsist remain in place until these new ones come into effect on Saturday, 2nd May 2020 at 9am.

36.37. The Presidential Task Force shall provide sector specific details and timing guidelines to allow for preparations by Governments, businesses and institutions.
37. The above are guidelines. State Governors may choose to amend adapt and expand based on their unique circumstances provided they maintain alignment with the guidelines issued aboveon public health and hygiene.
38.
38.39. These revised guidelines do will not apply for to Kano State. The total lockdown recently announced by the State Government shall remain enforced be enforced for the full duration. The Federal Government shall deploy all the necessary human, material and technical resources to support the State in controlling and containing the pandemic.

39.40. I wish to once again commend the frontline workers across the country who, on a daily basis, risk everything to ensure we win this fight. For those who got infected in the line of duty, be rest assured that Government will do all it takes to support you and your families during this exceedingly difficult period. I will also take this opportunity to assure you all that your safety, wellbeing and welfare remains paramount to our Government.

40.41. I will also recognize recognise the support we have received from our traditional rulers, the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and other prominent religious and community leaders. Your cooperation and support has significantly contributed to the successes we have recorded to date. I will urge you all to please continue to create awareness on the seriousness of coronavirus among your worshippers and communities while appealing that they strictly comply with public health advisories.

41.42. I will also thank the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the Presidential Task Force for all their hard work to date. Through this collaboration, I remain confident that success is achievable.

42.43. I also wish to thank corporate organisations, philanthropists, the UN family, the European Union, friendly nations, the media and other partners that have taken up the responsibility of supporting our response.

43.44. And finally, I will thank all Nigerians again for your patience and cooperation during this difficult and challenging period. I assure you that government shall continue to take all necessary measures to protect the lives and livelihoods our citizens and residents.
39. I thank you for listening and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria

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