As lagosians are set to commence there usual business activities May 4, some businesses in the state must remain closed during the COVID-19 despite the gradual easing announced by FG.
In lagos state, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has disclosed that some businesses will remain closed during the COVID-19, despite the gradual easing of the lockdown in the state.
TheGeniusMedia recalls that President Muhammadu Buhari approved the conditional and phased relaxation of the lockdown imposed on Abuja, Lagos and Ogun States due to the coronavirus outbreak during a national broadcast on Monday.
The President said:
“Based on the above and in line with the recommendations of the Presidential Task Force on COVID nineteen, the various Federal Government committees that have reviewed socio-economic matters and the Nigeria Governors Forum, I have approved for a phased and gradual easing of lockdown measures in FCT, Lagos and Ogun States effective from Monday, 4th May 2020.
“However, this will be followed strictly with aggressive reinforcement of testing and contact tracing measures while allowing the restoration of some economic and business activities in certain sectors,” the President added.
In a press briefing on Wednesday, Governor Sanwo-Olu who further disclosed that his administration will set an implementation committee that will enforce all of these directives added that it will include the federal government directives on overnight curfew and ban on interstate passenger movement.
Meanwhile, the businesses in Lagos that must remain closed after May 4 Coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown include the entertainment centres (industry); salons and beauty parlours, beer parlours, motorcycles and tricycles etc.
Suspension of motorcycles (Okada)
In addition to other directives, the state government also suspended all operations of motorcycles, popularly known as okadas, on all routes in the state.
The only exceptions to this rule are those used for courier and logistics purposes.
“Commercial Motorcycles, popularly known as Okadas, are to suspend their operations statewide, except for those motorcycles used for courier and logistics purposes” Sanwo-Olu explained.
Tricycles are allowed to operate only in the areas designated for their operations but are not allowed to carry more than two passengers on any trip, ensuring that appropriate distance is maintained between the passengers.
As spelt out in GovernorSanwo-Olu’s address, businesses such as event centres, cinemas, arcades, bars and casinos will remain locked for another two weeks, until another review is done by the state government.
Also included in this group are day clubs and night clubs, beaches, viewing centres, swimming pools, gyms and all recreation and relaxation centres.
The reason for this decision is the tendency of these businesses to attract people in large numbers, often beyond 50, thus contravening the physical distancing directive.
Beauty salons, Spas, barbershops, and public parks, are also by this directive, prohibited from opening their businesses for two weeks, from May 4.
This cuts across all of these businesses, including those located in residential and private estates.
According to the governor, these businesses “will continue to remain closed for another two weeks in the instance; at which point we will review and advise on the permissible opening date for these establishments.
