GRADUAL EASE OF THE LOCKDOWN in Lagos, that began, Monday, May 4, witnessed the surge of uncontrolled crowd in various business and commercial activities in Lagos. The scene of activities in commercial banks, open markets, commercial transportation, and other public places, completely violated safety regulations issued by Governor Sanwo-Olu for the phased easing of the lockdown in the State.
Saturday, while giving update on the management of Covid-19, and review of the ease of lockdown in the State, Sanwo-Olu said a total lockdown in the state could be forthcoming, if the people continue to violate safety regulations. Disregard for safety guidelines by members of the public, to enable the State contain the spread of coronavirus, was unacceptable to the governor.
Compliance with the use of face masks and social distancing directives, Sanwo-Olu said, had not been strictly adhered to, and Lagos State has been recording more cases of the coronavirus infections. And warned: “If we do not see an improvement in the next couple of days, we would be forced to evoke the very painful decision of bringing the entire system under a lockdown again”.
He further stated: “I’m aware that the Presidential Task Force has also made this point and very importantly that the continued maintenance of this ease is only guaranteed when people consistently comply. Let the numbers we have seen this week stand as a warning to all of us because we are monitoring and checking this on a daily basis.
“We all must take responsibility, which is what this time demands of us. Government will not shy away from its own responsibilities.” And regretted the noticed crowds that besieged commercials on the first day of the ease of the lockdown, and the poor compliance, especially, by danfo commercial bus drivers on social distancing directive”.
The governor regretted the crowd that besieged commercial banks and poor compliance by danfo commercial drivers who violated the social distancing directive.
Sanwo-Olu, however, noted that Lagos Bus Service and Water Transportation showed some level of compliance. “The yellow buses scored below average but we are working with them. We are certainly not happy with their level of compliance and we are hoping that in the few days ahead we will see significant improvement.”
On open markets and stores compliance, he said there was need for improvement in social distancing and other safety protocols. “I have also given strict instruction to the police to confiscate motorcycles defying this order,” while the ban on interstate travel remain in force.
