Lockdown Order: ‘Do Not Panic,’ Sanwo-Olu Tells Lagos Residents

Lagos state governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu urged residents not to panic after President Muhammadu Buhari’s order to restrict movement in the state.

According to the state governor, restricting movement is a difficult decision, but a necessary step in the battle for survival against the COVID-19 pandemic.

He released this in a statement on Monday, saying that despite the growing number of cases in the state, there was no cause for alarm.

“There is no need for panic. Although the number of infected people is increasing and our fear of spreading through the community is being confirmed by the cases being treated now, this is the time to focus more on our responsibility in this battle. We will continue to obey the simple rules prescribed by the experts “.

He maintained that the restriction will increase the chances of defeating the coronavirus, giving space for medical professionals to deal with cases more quickly; contain the disease, as those infected will be easily identified and isolated; improve social distance, while the restriction will prevent more people from contracting the disease.

“I would also like to address the fears of those who expressed safety concerns about their workplaces and stores during this restriction. I instructed the police and other security officers to ensure that there are no security breaches. They will ensure that criminals do not take advantage of this important measure, ”said Sanwo-Olu.

He congratulated the residents of Lagos for their patience as they announced measures to combat the coronavirus and added that the Lagos state government in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), the World Organization Organization Health (WHO), UNICEF, among other institutions, will stop at nothing to prevent its spread.

The governor said that from 11 pm on March 30, 2020, as announced by President Muhammadu Buhari, movement will be restricted in the state of Lagos for 14 days, while only people who provide essential services, such as health professionals, manufacturers and distributors of health equipment and medicines, food and water companies will be left out.

Telecommunications, distribution and oil retail workers, as well as energy and media companies, among others whose jobs cannot be managed at home, are also allowed, ”he added.

Governor Sanwo-Olu advised people in the private sector, market leaders and traders to remove flammable materials such as gasoline, kerosene and others from their offices and stores before the 11 pm restriction begins, asking them to turn off electrical and electronic equipment or devices to prevent fire incidents during the 14-day restriction.