Sanwo-Olu Issues Guidelines for Markets, Offices, Re-Opening

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Towards the implementation of what he described as “Controlled Easing Phase” framework for post COVID-19 lockdown operations in Lagos State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has given re-opening directives to all markets and corporate organisations.

He said all open markets and stores are to be opened by 9am to 3pm on selected days, that will be announced later, with 60 per cent occupancy, while observing social distancing.

The Governor in a televised press briefing on Wednesday, with series of tweets by his Chief Press Secretary Gboyega Akosile, said “Companies that choose to operate within this Controlled Easing Phase are to operate between 9am and 3pm. They are also directed to operate at a maximum of 60 per cent of their staff capacity”.

He, however, said banking operations must fall within the stipulated hours of 9am to 3pm, adding that banks’ managements must ensure regular cleaning and decontamination of their ATM machines and devices regularly used by the public.

Sanwo-Olu has also ordered all passenger buses not to load to full capacity.“ All commercial vehicles, the Governor said, must carry maximum of 60 per cent of full capacity and their drivers must use face mask and observe other prescribed hygiene tips”.

He explained that the expiration of the lockdown was not a directive for the full reopening of the economy, saying: “It is a gradual and controlled easing of the lockdown. We will continue to monitor the public health situation”.

According to him, “All places of worship remains closed with no form of any congregational gathering until further notice. Muslims should pray at home, observe Sahur and Iftar at home in line with @NSCIAng directives. Wash hands very well before performing ablution”.

While noting that essential workers are NOT affected by these rules, he said ALL SCHOOLS (Primary, Secondary and Tertiary) are to remain physically closed, urging them to make use of various other learning alternatives (Online, Media).

Public service workers from Grade Level 1-12 have also been directed to remain at home, and work from home, while others in offices are to make use of temperature checks, hand sanitizers, hand washing equipment as provided by organisations.

To ensure strict compliance to this guidelines, the governor said the whistle-blower policy will be put in place very soon so people can report offices flouting the rules, with verifiable reports, while the identity of the whistle-blower will be kept secret.

All entertainment centres, such as “event centres, cinemas, arcade, bars, casinos, day clubs, night clubs, beaches, salons, parks, pool, gym to remain closed for 2 weeks, (from May 4) after which, it will be reviewed”, he stated.