Gradual easing of Ogun lockdown to begin May 9 not May 4

Ogun Government says gradual easing of the lockdown in the state will begin on May 9, as against the May 4 announced by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Gov Dapo Abiodun made this known during a media briefing on Friday in Abeokuta.

According to him, Ogun did not begin the first 14 days lockdown with Lagos and the FCT, hence the extension.

“My dear people of Ogun State, you will recall that Mr President, in his first address to the nation on March 29, 2020, on the COVID-19 pandemic declared a lockdown on Lagos State, Ogun State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for 14 days in the first instance.

“At that time, Ogun State appealed for a week extension for the people of our state to prepare for the lockdown. You will also recall that on Monday, 27th April, Mr. President announced a further extension of the lockdown in the affected states and FCT for another week which should end by Saturday, 3rd May.

“However, for us in Ogun State, the extension will now end on Saturday, 9th May, that is, taking into consideration the initial one week of grace granted us by Mr. President,” he said.

He added that the relaxation window for the next week will be Monday, May 4, Wednesday, May 6 and Friday, May 8 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“The new time frame will, however, now be from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on those days. This will give our people ample time to conduct necessary economic activities and to get to their various homes before the commencement of the daily curfew as directed by Mr. President.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the curfew is from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. every day and will be strictly enforced,” the governor said.

Abiodun noted that though the number of cases of the Coronavirus pandemic has continued to rise in the state, there was no cause for panic as the state will not relent in its efforts at flattening the curve.

However, Ogun has 56 Coronavirus cases as of April 30.