Sanwo-Olu orders closure of markets, stores in Lagos

Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday ordered the closure of all markets and stores to contain the spread of coronavirus.

The closure commences from Thursday 26th March and would for seven days in the first instance.

The governor gave this order while giving updates on the COVID-19 situation in the state to State House correspondents at the Lagos House, Marina.

However, the governor exempted markets and stores that sell food, water, drugs and medical equipment and other related life- saving items from the closure order.

The governor said since his last address on Sunday, there had been increase in the total number of confirmed cases nationwide with Lagos, leading the pack with the most number of newly confirmed cases.

“Here in Lagos, we have seen a significant jump in our numbers from 19 as at the last time I addressed you on Sunday, to 28 as at today’s briefing. This shows that our numbers are increasing as predicted but we are also proactively and promptly tracking, isolating and managing the suspected cases; as well as the confirmed ones at the Infectious Diseases Hospital in Yaba.

“I am pleased to note that all our confirmed cases, bar the ones that have since been discharged, are doing well and are all in stable condition.

“As I mentioned, last time I spoke to you on Sunday, we are identifying other isolation centers across our five divisional zones of Ikeja; Badagry; Ikorodu; Lagos Island and Epe to ensure that we have a seamless and coordinated approach towards the quick identification and isolation of suspected cases without overwhelming the mainland infectious diseases hospital in Yaba.”

Sanwo-Olu reiterated his call on Organised Private Sector to follow the steps of the public sector and allow as many workers as possible to work from home. “Banks and other Financial Institutions are encouraged to prioritize online channels for their services to the public; with only essential and key senior staff being in the office during these times.

The governor reeled out other measures which includes:

“The Chief Judge of Lagos State has been directed to ensure that all Magistrate and High Courts in Lagos State close immediately to the public and suspend all court sittings; and much as is possible, essential services should be transacted electronically.