Coronavirus: Osun govt announces total lockdown

Osun State Government has announced total lockdown of the state with effect from midnight, Tuesday, March 31, 2020 over Coronervirus threat.

The state Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, made the announcement in a statewide broadcast on Sunday.

“Following a review of our current situation, we have in addition to the subsisting measures taken in the past one week, decided to shut down all our land boundaries, effective from midnight, Sunday, March 29, 2020.

“In addition, a complete lockdown of the State will come into effect from midnight, Tuesday, March 31, 2020

“We believe this is the way to go, if we must contain the spread of this virus. To this end, we urge citizens and residents to take advantage of the hours between now and Tuesday to stock up provisions that will last two weeks in the first instance.

“During the lockdown, there will be no movement within the State. The closed boundaries also means there will be no inter-state movements.

He warned that security agencies would be deployed to impose the lockdown.

“However, those on essential duties such as health personnel, fire services, environmental officials, security personnel, power and water supply agencies, media and telecommunication officers will be on duty.

“Also, pharmaceutical and medical outfits will be allowed to open.

“We have mandated and mobilised the State’s taskforce and security operatives to enforce measures to the letter.

“We, therefore, strongly advise our people to remain in their homes during the period of the lockdown.

“When an emergency occurs, such as the one at hand, the first priority of any responsive and responsible government is to respond effectively to protect its citizens. This is what we will continue to do.