Lagos State government has said from Monday, March 23, 2020, all public and private schools in the state would be shut down as part of the preventive measures against the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic.
A statement issued on Wednesday explained that the move became necessary to prevent children and their teachers from getting more vulnerable to the pandemic.
According to the state government, the closure is not intended to create panic, but to arrest the spread of the disease, which has become a global threat.
“It is important for parents to ensure that their children practise ‘social distancing’ while at home, wash their hands regularly or use hand sanitizers and observe high standards of personal hygiene. Children should be encouraged to remain at home,” the statement said.
Also, the state government announced the suspension of religious gatherings of more than 50 persons due to the recent increase in the number of people testing positive to COVID-19.
It was stated that this directive will remain effective for the next four weeks, advising that all health workers should be more vigilant, especially at the grassroots, while emphasising preventive measures.
Speaking at an event convened for religious leaders, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, reiterated the state government’s decision that all residents must avoid congregating in large numbers to avert an epidemic of the disease, noting that the measure was taken as a proactive step to protect the lives of Lagosians.
He averred that the life of every resident was precious and the government cannot afford a catastrophe in the area of health, considering the fact that the state has over 25 million people.
The Commissioner alluded that the virus is no respecter of person, gender or age, hence the pragmatic decision to act fast and prevent any eventuality, affirming that the state government will not relent in its massive sensitisation campaigns to further enlighten Lagosians to keep the disease at bay.
In his contribution at the event, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State Chapter, Apostle Alexander Bamgbola, commended the state government for creating awareness about the disease and putting measures in place to combat it.
Mr Bamgbola noted that the church community will not relent in praying for God’s intervention in curtailing the scourge.
In the same vein, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos Central Mosque, Sheikh Oluwatoyin Suleiman Abou-Nolla, stated that all hands must be on deck to check the virus as an outbreak cannot be imagined.
At the end of the meeting, a committee was constituted to monitor the situation, review and report developments on a daily basis during the four-week suspension period.
