…Lagos Governor, Sanwo-Olu Reiterates Compulsory Use of Facemask
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said the state would continue to see gradual increase in the cases of coronavirus in the state.
Addressing residents of the state following the end of the first phase of the lockdown, Gov Sanwo-Olu stressed the compulsory use of facemasks in the state to curb the fast spread of the virus.
The Governor said while Lagos remains the epicentre of the outbreak in Nigeria, the state is “seeing and will continue to see a gradual increase in cases, on account of the fact that we have moved into active community-based transmission phase of the outbreak.”
The governor stated that in response to the increase, it will continue to aggressively expand and decentralize our testing, tracing and treatment capacities.
“We are also increasing collaboration with the private sector to scale up in various areas: testing, case management, strategic planning, and logistical support.
“Even though we have also felt the impact of the global shortage of reagents, I am still happy to note that we have been able to ramp up supply and ensure that these very critical components of the testing process are always available.
“As a result, we will be seeing increased testing as we go into the weeks ahead,” the governor added.
On the use of face masks, Gov Sanwo-Olu said while many people are adhering to the rule to wear a face mask/covering in public; “unfortunately, we have seen quite a number of people openly flouting this directive.
“I must reiterate once again that you must wear a face mask in public, as it not only protects you, but also protects others you may come into contact with.
“As I mentioned in the last address, people need to start taking responsibility for themselves and their loved ones. Self-regulation is the order of the day, and you should not wait for the government to regulate you or your conduct, even though they will be doing so, you must ensure as matter of responsibility, that you are self-regulating yourself in the interests of yourself and loved ones.”
The governor said the state has begun wide- ranging and extensive consultations with our various stakeholders ranging from the religious organizations; traditional rulers and the Organized Private Sector adding that these consultations would form the back bone of a wider and robust framework that will govern a further opening up of our economy in the weeks and months ahead.
He noted that the state will begin to implement is the preferential treatment to be given to our old age/senior citizens (60 & above) who require access to essential services such as banking, grocery and market services.
He added, “In this vein I would want all of our financial institutions, open and closed markets, and stores to give preference to the senior citizens by opening up their banking halls and stores from the hours of 9:00am-10:30am and allow them transact their business and do their shopping.
“It is important to give this priority to our elderly ones so that they have a set time in the day to transact their business, do their shopping and head back home in good time without being unduly exposed.”
The governor thanked all health workers and volunteers for their sacrifice in eradicating the virus in the state.
“This appreciation also goes to all our support workers: drivers, attendants, cleaners, waste disposal staff, and so on. Without the work that you do we would not stand a chance of containing this pandemic. As a government we will continue to do everything in our power to ensure that you are fully protected and rewarded for your service.,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said.
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