‘Schools, churches remain closed, offices to close at 3pm’ — the Lagos post-lockdown directives

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, has announced new measures to be implemented in the state following the federal government’s order to ease the lockdown on the state on May 4.

Speaking at a briefing on Wednesday, Sanwo-Olu said there will be dusk till dawn curfew between 8pm and 6am as from Monday as part of the measure to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 among residents.

He added that movement in and out of the state will not be allowed.

He, however, said essential services like the  fire service and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) are not affected by the restrictions.

Here are the highlights.

Public service

• All public officers in the entire unified public service from grade one to grade 12 will remain and work from home unless otherwise directed by the accounting officer.
• For all grades 13 and above, the accounting officer will carry out a need assessment of critical staff, identify their special office, and draw a flexible work roster in compliance with social distancing principle. Further details will be provided before May 4.
• None of these directives apply to essential service providers. These are people on our front line which are the fire service and the emergency response service.

Markets/Stores

• All open markets and stores will be allowed to open from 9am to 3pm on selected days. A roster will be out before Monday to see the scheduling of the market.
• Social distancing and a very high level of personal hygiene must be observed.
• Malls will be opened with not more than 60 percent occupancy at any given time while ensuring a two-meter distance is maintained between persons in the store.
• Hand sanitisers and washbasins should be provided at entry points.

Businesses

• 9am – 3pm for business and a maximum of 60 percent of staff capacity/occupancy.
• Online remote working is still encouraged.
• Hand sanitizer and handwashing at entry points.
• Two-meter distancing should be observed in offices. Companies are to make adequate arrangements for transportation of staff to work to reduce risk of transmission.
• People with underlying or pre-existing conditions, 65 and above should stay home.

Schools

• All schools and institutions will continue to remain physically closed. Schools are enjoined to continue with online learning.

Churches and Mosques

• All places of worship remain closed for any form of congregational service until further notice.
• Muslims taking part in the Ramadan fast must observe their meal and prayers within their homes and in line with the pronouncement by the Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs.

Transports

• All drivers, conductors and commuters are mandated to wear facemasks, sanitise and wash their hands with soap and running water.
• All transport workers and companies are expected to sanitise their vehicles, parks, and garages regularly and continuously at least before and after every trip.
• All entrances to parks, garages are expected to have hand washing equipment with running water and temperature readers to test passengers before boarding.
• Alcohol-based sanitisers in vehicles for drivers, conductors and passengers.
• All motor parks and garages must avoid overcrowding. Social distancing is required for passengers.
• All buses should load a maximum of 60 percent of their full capacity; that is if your capacity is ten passengers, you cannot load more than six.
• No standing in all BRT and other bus services. All air conditioning systems in these public service system must be switched off.
• Vehicles bringing produce to Lagos cannot have more than 7 persons on board.
• Drivers of tricycles (Keke NAPEP) operating in unrestricted areas should carry not more than two passengers per trip.
• Okadas are to suspend their operations statewide, except for those motorcycles used for courier and logistics purposes.

Entertainment centres

• All entertainment centres such cinemas, arcades, bars, casinos, day clubs, nightclubs and beaches shall remain closed.
• Swimming pools, gyms, barber-shops, Spas, beauty salons, and all public parks, including those in private and residential estates should remain closed. This would be reviewed after 2 weeks.

Food services

• Eateries and restaurants in Lagos state will open from 9am to 3pm, and will not provide in-dinning services but take-away services.
• Use of face masks and gloves at all times

Worship centres

• Churches and Mosques remain closed.
• The elderly need to also stay at home if there are no compelling reasons for them to go out.

Sanwo-Olu added that the government’s whistleblower channels would be fully opened to report companies that would flout the new directives.

He said whistleblowers would be guaranteed full protection and their identities will be kept strictly confidential.