Governor Dapo Abiodun has relaxed the lockdown imposed on Ogun State on week days to stem the spread of coronavirus.
With the easing of the lockdown, the people of the state can move freely from Monday to Friday.
However, the case will not be the same on Saturday and Sunday.
The governor announced the easing of the lockdown on Thursday while speaking with journalists in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.
Before now, the lockdown only gave relaxation opportunity on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
The governor however warned that the curfew imposed by President Muhammadu Buhari from 8.00 p.m. to 6.00 a.m. would remain in force, despite the easing of the lockdown.
His words: “This second phase has two major elements of further relaxation of the restrictions and expansion in the number of days. In contrast to the current three days of Monday, Wednesday and Friday, this new phase opens up all the five working days in the week i.e Monday to Friday, with only Saturday and Sunday as lockdown days.
“In addition, there will be no time restriction from Monday to Friday, with the exception of the curfew period from 8.00pm or as may be directed by the President. Let no one make a mistake. COVID- 19 is neither over nor the curve of the spread flattened. From all available data and simulations, we are yet to reach our peak, consequently the further easing of the lockdown is not a license to believe the worst is over.”
The governor stated that all the existing guidelines to combat COVID-19 in the state remained.
According to him, specific guidelines to guide the operations of industries had been issued and must be fully complied with by all industries, as part of preparations for full operations.
He listed some of the guidelines as including:
*The curfew from 8.00pm to 6.00am as directed by the President is still in place.
*Restrictions on Interstate travel are also retained
*Wearing of face masks in the public is still mandatory
*Only one passenger is still allowed for motorcyles, otherwise known as Okadas, whilst tricycles are limited to two passengers only.
*Taxi cabs and buses still have 60% limitation on their carrying capacity and we will arrest and impound any driver that contravenes.
*The COVID-19 Task Force in markets are still mandated to ensure physical distancing, availability of handwashing facilities and use of gloves in addition to facemasks for traders.
*Fumigation will continue in our markets and other public places.
*Limitation of all gatherings to a maximum number of 20, including religious activities, is still in effect. We are currently working on the guidelines for places of worship. Until this is finalized, the current restrictions apply.
*Gyms, event centres, cinemas, arcades, bars, casinos, nightclubs, swimming pools, barber-shops, spas, beauty Salons, and all public parks, including those in private residential estates, will not be allowed to operate, even during this new phase of relaxation.
*Restaurants are permitted to provide ONLY take-away services and should also ensure that there are no more than 10-15 customers at a time with physical distancing. Guidelines for eat-in services are being finetuned.
*The “Infection Prevention and Control Guidelines for Workplaces in Ogun State to combat COVID-19” has been issued by the Ministry of Health in conjunction with the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investments. All industries in Ogun State are expected to comply with these guidelines.
*We are encouraged by the reports of some industries with large number of personnel carrying out COVID-19 test on their staff, amongst other measures. Testing of staff is one of the requirements contained in the guidelines issued.
*A Task Force has been set up to conduct random spot checks on the premises of the industries, restaurants and other business enterprises to confirm compliance. I wish to reiterate and warn that violation of any of the guidelines will be treated as a threat to our collective well- being and will be met with appropriate penalties.
He assured that the government would continue to update and refine its response in consonance with the dynamics of the fight against this Covid-19 pandemic and monitor the effect of this gradual and controlled ease of the lockdown.
