COVID-19: Lagos to begin partial 7-day shutdown

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has announced a partial shutdown in the state for seven days starting from Thursday, March 26, 2020, in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19. The Governor has called for the shutdown of court sittings, markets, and stores, except for essential services. The directive is part of the government's efforts to ensure social distancing and limit public gatherings in order to contain the virus. Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of adhering to these measures to protect the health and safety of the residents of Lagos. The Governor urged the organized private sector to support the initiative by encouraging employees to work remotely whenever possible to reduce physical contact and minimize the risk of transmission. Banks and financial institutions have been advised to prioritize online channels for their services and ensure that essential staff are available in the office during this period. The chief judge of Lagos State has also been directed to close all magistrate and high courts to the public and suspend court settings, with only essential services being transacted electronically. Additionally, all public parks, swimming pools, gym facilities, and workout stations will be closed to discourage gatherings and promote social distancing. Only markets and stores selling essential items such as food, water, medicines, and medical equipment will remain open. Fast food outlets, eateries, and restaurants have been instructed to provide take-away services only, with no dining-in allowed. Shops in malls that do not sell essential goods are also required to close down for the duration of the shutdown. To ensure compliance with the directive, security agencies will enforce the measures strictly, and violators will face legal consequences. The Governor revealed plans to convert some closed schools into food markets to provide residents with access to essential supplies while reducing congestion in existing markets. Sanwo-Olu strongly advised against travel to and from Lagos, whether by road or air, and urged residents to stay put and limit movement between states until the crisis eases. He emphasized the need for individuals to refrain from congregating in large groups and reduced the permissible number of people at gatherings from 50 to 25. The Governor acknowledged the potential impact of the measures on personal freedoms and human rights but stressed that the restrictions are necessary to combat the COVID-19 pandemic effectively. Sanwo-Olu expressed confidence in the resilience of Lagosians and reassured the public that with their support and adherence to the guidelines, the state would overcome the current challenge. He concluded his address by expressing hope that the situation would improve soon with collective effort and divine intervention.