You are here: HomeNews2020 04 29Article 355573

General News of Wednesday, 29 April 2020

Source: www.mynigeria.com

Curfew, less passengers in commercial transport: Key takeaways from Lagos guidelines

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has released guidelines for gradual phasing of the lockdown in the state.

It introduced a strict framework for movement and re-opening of businesses.

From next Monday, Sanwo-Olu said the State Government will be implementing the dusk-to-dawn curfew announced by President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) last Monday as part of the phased measures to reduce risk of contagion of the COVID-19 disease among the residents and to consolidate on the response strategy deployed to combat the pandemic.

The Governor announced that the State public officers from level 1 to 12 should remain and work from home unless otherwise directed by their Accounting Officers, saying the Accounting Officers of various Ministries would carry out a needs assessment of other critical staff needed to report to work.

He said: “For those on Grade Levels 13 and above, Accounting Officers will carry out a Needs Assessment of critical staff, identify essential officers and draw up a Flexible Work Roster in compliance with Social Distancing principles. The Head of Service will provide further details via a circular.”

The Governor’s new framework made fundamental changes to the public transportation system and business dealings at corporate offices, local markets and malls.

All passenger buses are not permitted to load to full capacity, Sanwo-Olu ordered in the new guidelines. All commercial vehicles, the Governor said, must carry a maximum of 60 per cent of full capacity and their drivers must use face mask and observe other prescribed hygiene tips.

The Governor also suspended the operation of commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada, across the State, with the exception of those used for courier and logistics purposes.

Sanwo-Olu directed the drivers of tricycles (Keke NAPEP) operating in unrestricted areas not to carry more than two passengers per trip and the passengers must keep appropriate distance.

Besides, food handlers at public eateries and restaurants have been mandated by the State Government to wear masks and hand gloves at all times, especially during the preparation and serving of foods.

Only take-out meals and delivery services will be permitted at eateries and restaurants, Sanwo-Olu ordered, warning that in-dining services will not be allowed at the moment.

The Governor said all businesses that will re-open next week must operate between the hours of 9 am to 3 pm. The new directive on business operating hours affects all corporate firms, banks, malls and local markets.

In addition, the Governor announced the restriction of operating hours of water transportation companies to the period between 6 am and 6 pm daily.

He said under no circumstance should vehicles carrying food items have more than seven passengers.

All public and private schools from primary level to tertiary education must remain closed, Sanwo-Olu directed. He said online classes and lessons that had already been started must continue until further notice.