COVID-19 LAGOS UPDATE: Full text of Speech delivered by Gov Sanwo Olu on Sunday

L-R: Chief of Staff to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Tayo Ayinde; Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola; Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye during a media briefing to update on the Coronavirus pandemic, at Lagos House, Marina, on Sunday, March 22, 2020.

Full text of Speech Delivered by The Governor of Lagos State, COVID-19 Incident Commander of Lagos, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Update on The COVID-19 Situation in Lagos State, Today, 22nd March, 2020.

My dear Lagosians, good afternoon.

It has become necessary for me to address you again, as promised, with an update on the COVID-19 situation in Lagos State.

Since my last address to you on Friday, March 20, 2020, Lagos we have since seen an increased number and we have a total number of 19 confirmed cases; and three suspected ones.

First let me say that these confirmations are evidence that the system is working, that we are actively and promptly tracking and testing suspected cases. Let me also reiterate that all confirmed cases have been isolated at the Mainland Infectious Diseases Hospital in Yaba, and are undergoing treatment.

We have also been working closely with the Federal Government, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the private sector, to halt the spread of this disease.

I am happy to note that it is not all gloomy news. On the bright side, the index case, the Italian gentleman who was diagnosed on February 27, 2020, and who has been on admission at the Infectious Diseases Hospital, Yaba has been successfully treated and discharged after his blood sample tested negative to the virus.

This makes him the second case in Nigeria to be successfully treated and discharged.

In terms of the proactive measures we are taking to protect Lagos from the disease, we have shut down schools and issued instructions to our people not to congregate or form any gathering of more than 50 people at a time.

I thank Lagosians who have obeyed this directive, which is in no way meant to deprive anybody of his or her freedom. Many mosques were closed on Friday and many churches shut down today.

In addition to all the previous directives issued so far, I am now hereby directing all public officers in the entire unified public service from Grade Levels 1 to 12 – which constitutes 70 percent of the entire public service workforce – to stay at home from Monday 23rd of March 2020, for 14 days in the first instance.

We will review this as time goes on. Members of the public are advised to refrain from visiting public offices, and to transact as much business as is possible through the telephone and online channels.

This stay-at-home order does not affect medical personnel, Fire Service, LASEMA, LAWMA and other first respondents and essential services.

We are working to ramp up our capacity to take on new cases as they’re confirmed; other Health facilities will, in due time, be deployed to support the Mainland Infectious Diseases Hospital.

We are setting up more facilities in Yaba, to contain a likely upsurge in Coronavirus cases.

More health workers are being trained and retired health personnel are being put on notice that they may be recalled to serve in these trying times.

Regarding our directives limiting gatherings to no more than 20 people, it is unfortunate that some of our people have refused to obey this directive, which was taken in the interest of all of us, after consultations with religious and community leaders. As I noted on Friday, in South Korea and Singapore, the disease spread largely because religious gatherings went on unchecked.

I insist that this is no religious matter; it is simply a matter of morality and responsibility. Times like this call for a heightened commitment to doing the right thing. We are only as strong as the weakest links amongst us.

I hereby order our law enforcement agencies to ensure strict compliance with this important Public Health Order on the suspension of all gatherings of more than 20 people.

I am using this opportunity to encourage the private sector to take similar steps, to ensure that as many people as possible are able to stay at home for the foreseeable future.

All traditional rulers should instruct all of their subjects and sensitize them on the need to avoid all traditional ceremonies and gatherings at this time.

I would like to reassure all our people that there is no reason to panic. We are fully prepared for this emergency.

Thankfully, the Federal Government has issued a directive that the Murtala Muhammed Airport be closed to flights as from tomorrow. All of our over 70 health personnel who have been at the airport for about two months will return to join the front-line battle to contain and defeat this disease.

These times call for strict adherence to all the directives that are being issued by the health authorities:

Social distancing
Obedience of the simple rules of hygiene, such as covering the mouth while coughing or sneezing
No handshakes and touching of noses or faces.
Regular handwashing with soap and water, and the regular use of hand sanitizers.
If you feel sick in any way, stay indoors and call a doctor.
If you have just returned from overseas, practise mandatory self-isolation for at least 14 days.

Let me use this opportunity to send a message to the elderly among us, and the vulnerable, by which I mean those with existing health conditions, to take extra-special precautions and avoid anything that might expose them unnecessarily.

It is important for all of us to be vigilant. Our special Coronavirus Helpline is 08000-CORONA / 08000-267-662, and it is free of charge to call.

We are aware of the economic effects of this virus. Our administration is working out how to cushion the impact of these disruptions on the people of Lagos, especially the poorest and most vulnerable in our midst. We will ensure that no one is left behind at this time.

As I mentioned on Friday, there is no doubt that these are changing times, demanding changing behaviours and attitudes from us all. We must boldly rise to the demands of the times, knowing that this is the only way to avert the worst and guarantee a healthy and safe tomorrow for all of us. I hope you will work with me and my colleagues to keep all of us safe and keep Lagos moving forward.

Again, this is not the time for fake and unverified news, especially on social media. Let me also appeal to the media community in its entirety to support the battle by helping amplify the guidelines, advisories and contact numbers that are being issued by the relevant authorities.

There will be no let-up in determination to battle the Coronavirus to a standstill.

We are sure that we will win the battle, with your cooperation, and by the grace of the Almighty God.

Thank you.

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