By Idowu Abdullahi,
The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has relaxed the coronavirus induced lockdown in the state, saying the action was part of measures to prepare the citizens towards living with the new reality.
He explained that the development followed an agreement by various stakeholders in the state, adding that though the lockdown has been eased, curfew as directed by the Federal Government still remains intact.
The Governor noted that there will be free movements within the state between Mondays and Fridays while movement restriction takes effect on Saturdays and Sundays being a weekend, adding that the ban on interstate traveling and religious activities is also still in force.
Abiodun, who disclosed this during a press briefing held at his Oke-Mosan office on the update of COVID-19 in the state on Thursday, revealed that the state recorded 59 new positive cases, which signifies an increase of 32 percent, bringing the total number of positive cases to date to 242.
“This second phase has two major elements of further relaxation of the restrictions and expansion in the number of days. In contrast to the current three days of Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, this new phase opens up all the five working days in the week i.e Monday to Friday, with only Saturday and Sunday as lockdown days.
“In addition, there will be no time restriction from Monday to Friday, with the exception of the curfew period from 8.00 pm or as may be directed by the President. Let no one make a mistake. COVID- 19 is neither over nor the curve of the spread flattened. From all available data and simulations, we are yet to reach our peak. Consequently, the further easing of the lockdown is not a license to believe the worst is over.
“For the avoidance of doubt, all the existing guidelines to combat COVID-19 in the state remain in place. In addition, specific guidelines to guide the operations of industries have been issued and must be fully complied with by all industries, as part of preparations for full operations.
“The curfew from 8.00 pm to 6.00 am as directed by the President is still in place. Restrictions on Interstate travel are also retained. Wearing face masks in the public is still mandatory. Only one passenger is still allowed for motorcycles, otherwise known as okadas, whilst tricycles are limited to two passengers only.”
