Why Ogun state is extending COVID-19 lockdown as Lagos resumes activities today, May 4
The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun has announced the guidelines for easing the COVID-19 lockdown in the state. Though President Buhari had approved a gradual reopening of the state alongside Lagos and Abuja from May 4, the Governor is extending it by a week.
While the relaxation of the lockdown begins in Lagos today Monday, May 4, Ogun state is taking a phased approach by only allowing its residents a three-day window on Monday, May 4; Wednesday, May 6; and Friday, May 8.
“For us in Ogun state, the extension will now end on Sunday, that is, taking into consideration the initial one week of grace granted us by Mr. President,” Governor Abiodun said.
“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.”
He explained that this will give the people ample time to conduct necessary economic activities pending when the lockdown would be fully relaxed.
Social and religious gatherings are still banned in the state and schools remain closed. Interstate travel, especially to and from Lagos will not be allowed. But funerals, as well as naming ceremonies, are allowed on the condition that there will be a maximum of 15 guests and social distancing is maintained.
Speaking further, he directed that, “30% of public servants are to resume work only on days of window relaxation. All essential service personnel will continue to work despite the lockdown.”
While the state is yet to fully lift the lockdown, the Association of Resident Doctors at the Olabisi Onabanjo University in the state began a three-day warning strike today. The aggrieved doctors said they took the drastic action amid the COVID-19 crisis over non-implementation of their hazard allowance, absence of life insurance policy for its members, and inappropriate remuneration, among many other issues.
The doctors, however, said their members working at the COVID-19 isolation centres would be exempted from the strike action.
