The Osun State Government has announced the total lockdown of the state following the confirmation of the second case of the deadly Coronavirus.

The Government reaffirmed the commitment to shut down all the land boundaries effective from midnight, Sunday, March 29, 2020.

The State of Osun Governor, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, made the announcement during a statewide broadcast on Sunday morning, that there would be no movement within the State during the shutdown 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 as “imperative” in view of the devastating nature of the pandemic, adding “the first priority of any responsive and responsible government is to respond effectively to protect its citizens when an emergency occurs”. He also 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.

The Governor said, “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 means 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.”

While his counterpart from Ekiti State Dr Kayode Fayemi, also announced a 12-hour dusk to dawn curfew on the state as part of measures to stem the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. He Said the curfew would be from 7 pm to 7 am, adding that all borders to the state would be closed during the period of the curfew.

Dr Kayode Fayemi explain that the index case in the state was is in stable condition at the isolation centre and advised residents to remain calm and obey all government directives aimed at stopping the further spread of the pandemic in the state.

More details later …