As Nigeria relaxes the lockdown starting today, May 4th 2020; there are certain things you need to know. Everyone needs to take their health seriously and be conscious of what they must do to stay safe. During the easing of the lockdown, it is critical to remember that covid19 is still out there; and the coronavirus pandemic is still a threat.
Current Reality in the midst of the lockdown
According to the Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, he has warned that the gradual easing of the lockdown commencing in the State was not a license to flood the streets. This new phase is a gradual and controlled easing of the Lockdown and will last for six weeks.
In his statement, he advises that we should still remain at home if we are able to continue to work remotely. Going out should only be if it is absolutely necessary. This is a reminder that it is not exactly life as usual.
In addition, according to the Premium Times, Nigeria recorded more COVID-19 cases in the past week than in the previous eight weeks put together.
So how does this affect you and what are some of the precautions you need to take? It is important to observe the advice to wash your hands regularly; mandatory wearing of face masks and obeying social distancing (no hugs and handshakes). In addition to these, there are some other details to keep in mind to ensure that you stay safe, protect your children and families and avoid picking up or spreading the virus.
Additional Precautions for Going out of the Home
There are several people, who will need to go to work outside the home at this time. Below are some tips to help you during this time.
- Wear clothes that you can wash after one wear. Avoid wearing suits at this time which typically need to be dry cleaned and not washed after a single wear.
- You want to cover your hair, unlike most men who wash their hair daily, women don’t. It is advisable to wrap your hair in a turban or headtie. By the way, it is not advisable to rush out and get your hair done, there is a real risk in going to barber shops or hair salons where a hairstylist would be in close contact.
- At this time you want to avoid wearing wigs, extensions, braids or any attachments as much as you can. This is because if the virus settles on the weaves or wigs, you will take it home and spread as these attachments are not washed immediately.
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Avoid carrying a handbag this period because you could drop your handbag on surfaces or floors where the virus has settled on and from there take the virus home with the bag. If you must carry a handbag then be sure to wipe or spray with alcohol or disinfectant spray. As a result of Covid 19, plastic bags are making a comeback so that they can be disposed of after one use.
Curfew and other Restrictions
Starting today, Monday, May 4, 2020, for the next two weeks, there will be a curfew across the State from 8 pm to 6 am daily.
All movement in and out of Lagos is prohibited; only people carrying out essential services or transporting essential products are exempt.
Schools During the Relaxed Lockdown
All schools, at primary, secondary and tertiary levels, remain physically closed. Private school proprietors are encouraged to have a dialogue regarding online learning.
Shopping during the Relaxed Lockdown Period
All open markets and stores will be allowed to operate from 9 am to 3 pm on alternate days. Markets and Stores selling food items will open on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. And Markets and Stores selling all other Items, excluding food, will open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Private Sector Work Place Guidelines
During the relaxed lockdown phase, Businesses can operate only within hours of 9 am and 3 pm daily.
The number of staff on the business premises should be only sixty per cent (60%) of full capacity, at any point in time.
Companies are expected to operate flexible systems. These include Work From-Home policy and or shifts for staff who have to be in the office.
Offices that choose to have their staff come in, must also put in place adequate arrangements for the daily transportation of these staff, to and from work.
This is to reduce the risk of exposure to infection while commuting on public transport. In addition, all offices are required to observe the requirements for physical distancing.
For families who are considering bringing in their domestic staff, kindly keep these in mind.
Restaurants and Places of Worship
Eateries and Restaurants will be allowed to open between 9 am and 7 pm; but only for take-out and delivery services. All Places of Worship, are to remain closed from any form of assemblage or congregational services, until further notice. This includes home fellowships.
Other places ordered not to open yet are Hotels, Recreational Parks, Spas, Salons, Sporting Facilities, Public Gyms and Swimming Pools.
To learn more and keep up to date about the lockdown in Lagos, visit Lagosstate’s website. You can call any of the hotlines at 0901-051-3197 or 0901-051-3198 or 0901051-3199.
Read: Family-Friendly Ways to Celebrate the New Month During a Pandemic
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