Yesterday Governor Sanwo-Olu announced that in line with federal directives, Lagos state would start easing its strict lock down measures to allow the state join the country in its return to a semblance of normal life. As ground zero of the pandemic and its continuing epicenter, the Lagos state has proven influential in combating the virus and showing other states how to manage the emotions and expectations of their citizens as they self isolate and how to collaborate with government organizations like the NCDC. Now that Lagos state is ready to ease restrictions, these are the directives the governor has announced to help citizens stay safe.

THE CURFEW CONTINUES

In line with federal directives, Lagos state will continue to exercise a curfew from 8pm every night to 6am every morning. There are many reasons for this. Nigerians congregate socially at night, in bars, clubs and restaurants. They are also more likely to move to multiple locations increasing the risk of infection. Curfews will minimize movement and hopefully slow the rate of infection.

INTERSTATE TRAVEL STAYS BANNED 

(for obvious reasons)

FACE MASKS ARE NOW COMPULSORY

Even though there is no consensus, it is now generally believed that facemasks reduce the possibility of cross infection, especially for people who already have the virus and are not exhibiting symptoms. All Lagosians are now expected to wear masks as a precautionary measure.

ELDERLY AND IMMUNOCOMPROMISED PERSONS REMAIN AT THE CORE OF GOVERNMENT INTERVENTIONS

The state governor put out a special directive asking for families to restrict their elderly and immunocompromised from going to public places at this time. Hopefully they listen.

BURY YOUR DEAD BUT OBSERVE SOCIAL DISTANCING 

The state government has allowed funerals for individuals who have died during the lock down on the condition that the funeral is attended by less than 20 people and there are no public gatherings after the funerals. So with respectful for the law, pay your last respects.

FIND YOUR GOD AND YOUR SCHOOL WORK AT HOME

Places of worship and schools remain closed until a vaccine is discovered. The state government is partnering with private television stations instead to broadcast lessons for school children of all ages as a compensatory measure.

CLUB QUARANTINE CONTINUES

Social and recreational businesses like Hair salons and barbing salons, gyms, swimming pools and clubs all stay closed. Restaurants allowed to operate take out services but not host guests within their spaces. Whistle blowers are encouraged to expose businesses that violate these rules.

CORPORATE LAGOS RETURNS (KINDA)

Corporate organizations will be allowed to return to operations on Monday, provided they only request essential members of their businesses (60%) return to work while 40% work from home. Businesses are also expected to only run from 9am to 3pm before they are mandated to close and provide 5 hours for staff to return to their homes before curfew. Hand sanitizers, social distancing and regular sterilization for business is now compulsory as well.

DANFO MUST PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING

Transport in Lagos will be overhauled. Buses can only take 60% of their usual passengers. Keke Napeps are coming back but can only carry 2 riders. Okadas remain banned and mass transit buses can only take 60% of its usual capacity.

If the government can enforce these rules