Why COVID-19 lockdown in Ogun will extend to May 9 — Says Abiodun against FG's May 4 (Relaxation windows)

... Speaks on reopening of educational institutions, restaurants and others


By Olorungbotemi

Why COVID-19 lockdown in Ogun will extend to May 9 — Says Abiodun against FG's May 4 (Relaxation windows)

Ogun state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has disclosed that the Covid-19 lockdown still subsisted in the state, though, the time frame for relaxation windows which used to be from 7am-to 2pm will now be from 7am-5pm, VAM News has gathered.


Gov Abiodun said that the extension of the lockdown by one week, that is to May 9 was to compensate for the initial one week grace President Muammadu Buhari granted the state before the lockdown order became effective when it was first pronounced one month ago.














The governor explained that “To this end, our relaxation window remains Monday, 4th May; Wednesday, 6th May; and Friday, 8th May.


The new time frame will, however, now be from 7am to 5pm on those days. This will give our people ample time to conduct necessary economic activities and to get to their various homes before the commencement of the daily curfew from 8pm to 6am as directed by Mr. President will be strictly enforced”.













The governor stated this on Friday night at the Governor’s Office, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta while briefing the press on the Covid-19 updates in the state.


Abiodun noted with concern that the Covid-19 confirmed cases in the state had risen to 56, eight discharged, one death and 47 active cases saying that
most of the newly discovered cases arise from the influx of other Nigerians coming to the state from other states.














The governor disclosed that his goverment had procured over 1 million face masks being distributed across the state through groups such as market women, artisans, transport unions, security agencies among others warning that anyone caught not using face masks henceforth in the state would be dealt with according to law.


He revealed further that even as the gradual easing of lockdown began in the state, there would still be no inter state travel except persons and vehicles on essential duties that must not be more than five including the driver.














The governor said “for intrastate transport, operators are permitted to carry a maximum of half (50%) of the passenger capacity.


Specifically, a taxi cab can carry only three passengers, with one in front and a maximum of 2 in the rear seat. 14 seater buses must carry no more than 7 passengers spread across the rows.














“Tricycle can carry a maximum of 2 passengers, whilst okada riders can carry only one passenger at a time. In all cases, drivers / riders must not only wear face masks, they must ensure that their passengers also wear. Failure to comply with these guidelines will lead to the confiscation of the vehicles or okada.


“All educational institutions remain closed till further notice.













However, students in public schools will continue their learning via Digiclass. 30% of public servants are to resume for work on the days of windows of relaxation of lockdown. Head of Service will issue a circular providing details. As usual, all essential service personnel will continue to work notwithstanding the lockdown.














“All public religious gatherings remained banned. All pubs, clubs, stadia, public pools, spars, gyms, salons, etc., and indeed, any assembly of more that fifteen persons remain banned till further notice.



However, restaurants may open on the approved days for take-out meals only.













“We however do not object to naming rites of newborns and burial rites of our deceased loved ones. But such gatherings must not be more than the prescribed 15 which includes even the officiating priests and all attendees must observe social distancing”.


While saying that his goverment would not take it  kindly with anybody that want to compromise the measures put in place to ensure public health safety and defeat Covid-19, the governor said mobile courts have been established to prosecute  offenders and that he would not shy away from visiting the full weight of the law on anyone found culpable with payment of fines, community service or both.














Abiodun did however not forget to applaud residents of the state for their support and sacrificial cooperation as well as the health workers among others  who have been working round the clock to curtail Covid-19 pandemic in the state praying the almighty God to reward them all abundantly.