COVID-19: Police shut 15 schools, 8 worship centres, clubs in Lagos

Operatives of the Lagos state Police Command on the enforcement of the federal and state governments’ directives on gatherings have shut 15 schools, eight clubs, six event centres and eight places of worship for non-compliance with the measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).  

Speaking through a press statement issued on Wednesday, the command noted that the enforcement will be extended to markets in the state with the exception of those who sell essential items, such as foodstuffs, medicines and others. 

In the statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, Elkana Bala, the police said essential service providers such as financial institutions, telecommunication companies and other businesses not affected by the ban should henceforth comply with the new directive in the state, restricting gatherings to 25 persons per time. 

The statement reads: “The command has in the last six days deployed its resources across the state to ensure that the guidelines and directives issued by both the federal and state governments to prevent the spread of the coronavirus are fully obeyed.

“The enforcement team shut down eight clubs, 15 schools, six event centres and eight places of worship for non -compliance. 

“With the directives issued by Lagos state government on March 24, the enforcement will now be extended to all markets and stores, except markets that are selling food items, water, medicine, pharmacies, medical equipment and other related essential life -saving products, with effect from March 26.

“Corporate bodies such as financial institutions, telecommunication companies and businesses not affected by the ban should also ensure that both their employees and customers/clients are not more than 25 in number at a time.

“Staff should be posted to ATM stands to ensure that customers using the service space themselves to avoid body contact. 

“Eateries should encourage their customers to use take- away services and those who must sit in the restaurant/eatery should apply the required spacing guidelines. Eateries should not have more than 25 persons at a time, including their staff.”

The command also stated that hotels should only operate lodging and accommodation services with minimal number of staff on duty, while conference and event halls, swimming pools and other services attracting crowds should be suspended in line with the order and directives of the government. 

“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos state, Hakeem Odumosu, enjoins the good people of Lagos state to obey the safety regulations put in place by government for the benefit of everyone.

“Violators will be dealt with in line with extant laws. Together we can prevent the spread of COVID-19. For information or complaints regarding non- compliance, call the following numbers 09010512285, 09010512286, 09010512287 and 09010512288,” the police stated.