Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has said that the total lockdown of the state which was scheduled to commence by 11 pm on Monday has been shifted to Friday.
President Muhammadu Buhari had on Sunday night ordered total lockdown in Lagos, Ogun, and Abuja as part of efforts to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Mr Abiodun announced this at the commissioning of the 128-bed Isolation Centre located at HID Awolowo Model College, Ikenne in Ikenne Local Government Area of the state.
He, however, stated that the ban on inter-states and international borders would commence as scheduled.
The governor said he got approval from President Buhari to postpone the lockdown so as to give the public time to prepare for it.
He said: “After consultation with the Presidency, the interstate and international borders will close tonight at 11 pm as directed by the President.
“The total lockdown of Ogun will, however, be effective from 11 pm on Friday.
“This is to enable us finalise the mechanisms for the distribution of relief materials and food items ahead of the total lockdown.
“We appeal to our people to abide by these government orders and the advice provided by the Ministry of Health on hand and respiratory hygiene as well as social distancing.”
Abiodun explained that food items and other palliatives would be provided in the next few days to cushion the effect of the lockdown on the citizens.
“The government is working out the modalities and engaging relevant stakeholders to particularly identify the poor and vulnerable groups and to ensure that the palliative and relief items reach the intended beneficiaries at the grassroots,” he said.
“During the period of this lockdown, all markets, motor parks, public squares and high human-traffic areas will be fumigated and disinfected.”
The governor said plans were in progress to establish a biomedical laboratory where suspected cases can be tested in the state without going to Lagos or Abuja.
