COVID-19: LOCKDOWN LOOMS AS RESIDENTS VIOLATE GUIDELINES FOR RELAXATION
Following spike in daily cases in Lagos State, the State Government says it will not hesitate to reimpose total lockdown in the state if residents continue to violate guidelines on the easing of the COVID-19 lockdown.
This is contained in the eleventh address by the State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Saturday to Lagosians while giving an update on the management of COVID-19 and review of the lockdown in the state.
Recall, Lagos State, on May 5, commenced a gradual relaxation of the lockdown imposed on the state as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Sanwo-Olu initially commended Lagosians, especially construction and manufacturing companies in the state for ceasing operations in adherence to the directive of the state government.
Sanwo-Olu lamented stating the level of compliance with guidelines on the lockdown relaxation, described it as an unacceptable one.
He said that the compliance level for commercial transport operators was not regrettably very low.
According to him, yellow bus transport operators failed to comply with capacity restrictions of 60 percent, outlined in the guidelines and many commercial motorcycle operators had also openly and indiscriminately defied the suspension.
He said that the ban on interstate travel, except for essential goods and services was also consistently flouted.
”Trucks and other vehicles carrying items designated as essential, have also played major roles in flouting the guidelines by conspiring to conceal and smuggle people in and out of the state.
”The Reports about mask usage in public places have also not been encouraging. Many people are still choosing to go out without masks or face coverings of any kind. This is simply unacceptable.
”Let me reiterate that the success of this gradual easing of the lockdown is dependent upon the compliance of each and every one of us.
”As a government, elected to uphold the security of Lagos State – and this includes health security – let me make it clear that we will not hesitate to review the terms of this easing if we continue to see evidence that Lagosians are determined to flout the rules.
”I am aware that the Presidential Task Force has also made this point: that the continued maintenance of this easing is only guaranteed when people consistently comply.”
Sanwo-Olu reiterated that the increase in number of daily cases in the state should be a call to order for residents, described COVID-19 as being real.
”Let the number we have seen this week stand as a warning to all of you the good people of Lagos. What we are seeing is child’s play compared to what we could be seeing if we continue to be irresponsible.
Sanwo-Olu thanked all frontline medical workers for their unrelenting efforts to fight against Coronavirus.
As a note of warning, the Governor noted that, violators can be reported to the government agencies.
”Let me finally use this opportunity to remind us all of the Whistleblower Hotlines that we have established for people to report violations of the orders and restrictions we have issued.
”The numbers are 09010513197; 09010513198; 09010513199.
”We are guaranteeing strict confidentiality of all reports and the full protection of the identity of all whistleblowers. Let us all play our part in protecting Lagos from this pandemic.”
He hereby urged Lagosians to play their part in protecting the state against the spread of COVID-19
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