Oyetola extends lockdown for 14 days; Abiodun declares total lockdown from Saturday

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Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State, on Tuesday, extended the lockdown in the state by 14 days to contain the spread of Coronavirus.

Oyetola, in a broadcast in Osogbo, said the extension was needed to ensure a total defeat of COVID-19 in the state

The governor, who noted that the lockdown would take effect by midnight on Thursday, said it would be suspended between Wednesday and Thursday to allow people to re-stock.

Oyetola, however, said that all markets and land boundaries would remain closed during the suspension of the lockdown and the lockdown period.

He also said that ban on all public gatherings remained in force during the period of the lockdown.

The governor said government would continue to provide palliatives to the poor, the needy and the vulnerable people in the state to cushion the effects of the sit-at-home order.

Oyetola also said that the laws guiding the operation of the lockdown and the general security of the people were in force.

He said relevant security agencies were on alert to ensure total compliance for the safety and security of the people.

“We are aware of the negative effects of lockdown on our fragile economy.

“But as a responsible government, we will not sacrifice the lives and security of our people on the altar of economy.

“Our citizens and residents are enjoined to continue to observe all precautionary measures during the suspension of the lockdown and within the lockdown period, including social distancing, washing of hands with soap or use of hand sanitisers,” he said.

Oyetola commended the health workers, who, he said, took the fight “to our common enemy day and night to ensure that we are all safe.”

The governor had on March 29, in a broadcast, announced lockdown in the state to contain the spread of the virus.

The lockdown, which took effect on midnight of March 31, expired by midnight of April 14.

There are 20 confirmed Coronavirus cases in the state by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, while 11 patients had been discharged.

Meanwhile, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has declared that the state would be on total lockdown from Saturday April 18 for 14 days.

The governor made the declaration in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Kunle Somorin, on Tuesday in Abeokuta.

Abiodun urged the people of the state to take advantage of the current window relaxation between Wednesday April 15 and Friday April 17 to restock on food and essential supply to cover the period.

President Muhamadu Buhari, in his nationwide broadcast on Sunday, announced the extension of the lockdown directive on Lagos, Ogun and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for another 14 days.

According to Buhari, this was part of efforts to contain the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Abiodun commended Federal Government’s effort in combating the virus which had claimed no fewer than 10 lives in the country.

He appealed to residents of the state to endure the 14 days extension of the lockdown, saying it is the only way to defeat the deadly virus.

The governor added that all borders leading to the state would remain closed.

“We must deny the virus the vital supply chain required to decimate humanity by complying with all the social distancing measures and maintaining personal hygiene.

“The current window of relaxation of the lockdown in the state from 7.00a.m. to 2.00p.m, which follows the same pattern of last week, will still be available for this Wednesday, 15th April, and Friday, 17th April, only.

“This is to allow the residents prepare for the extension of the lockdown and restock on food and other essential items,” the governor said.

Abiodun said that wearing of face masks in public would, henceforth, be strictly enforced, saying that wearing of masks would help flatten the curve of the spread.

According to him, the Coronavirus had created an unusual challenge to strike a delicate balance of need for public safety and welfare of the citizenry.

He assured that his administration remained committed in its responsibility of protecting life and property as well as welfare of the people.

The governor announced that the stimulus package distribution mechanism had been reviewed to make it more effective and efficient in the delivery to the target population of the elderly, the poor and vulnerable.

“The new mechanism has incorporated the learning from the experience of the first phase while we assured the citizens that the materials would get to the deserving households sooner than later,” he said.

According to the governor, no fewer than 60,000 households of the elderly, poor and vulnerable have benefitted from the first phase of distribution.

He added that the next phase of distribution would commence soon and would cater to an additional 80,000 households of estimated 400,000 people across the 236 wards.

Abiodun also thanked those at the forefront in the fight against the disease for their selfless effort and strong commitment in ensuring that the state is free of the deadly virus.

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