COVID-19 : Sanwo-Olu Orders Arrest, Disperse Of Large Gatherings
Apparently not amused by utter disregard of government’s pronouncement on religious gathering in the state, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed law enforcement agencies to arrest and disperse any large gatherings to prevent the spread of the coronavirus in the state.
It was gathered that several religious outfits defied the order earlier issued by the government and conducted their services including Friday congregational prayer (Jummah prayer).
The governor in a live broadcast on Friday, also cautioned residents against panic-buying of the Chloroquine drug, foodstuff, and other household items.
“To protect and save lives, law enforcement agencies, especially the Police, have been directed to enforce compliance with the directive against any assemblage of a large number of people at any location.
“You will all agree with me that these times call for us all to act responsibly and abstain from all large outings or gatherings of any kind, be they academic, family, professional, political, religious or social”, the governor said.
According to him, investigation revealed that the disease often spread easily at a large gathering.
“In South Korea, and Singapore, the disease spread largely through organized religious gatherings. The issue is of course not cause religion, but that the virus can spread through any large assemblage of people or gathering”.
He ordered that all tertiary institutions in the state be shut down immediately to also prevent any further spread of the disease.
“We have also, following due consultations, announced the closure of all Public and Private schools in Lagos State with effect from next Monday, March 23, 2020; and I hereby direct that all Lagos State tertiary institutions shut down immediately,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Harping on the reported use of chloroquine to suppress Coronavirus, the Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, warned residents to avoid consumption of chloroquine without prescription noting that it could cause more harm than good in their system.
“On our part, we are going to commence a clinical trial of chloroquine at our facility. what I advise the community is that this drug has significant side effects. It is not a drug that you should use without medical supervision,” Abayomi said.
