Pascal Oparada
The Lagos State government may move to explore the option of a 14-day lockdown as the state recorded three new cases of Coronavirus, bringing the total infections in the state to 23.
“On the 22nd of March 2020, three new confirmed cases of COVID-19 were recorded in Nigeria. Till date, twenty-five (25) cases have been confirmed, two cases have been discharged and there has been no death from COVID-19 in Nigeria.
“All three new cases are in Lagos State. They are being treated at the Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba.” NCDC said a statement.
Lagos is reportedly the most populated state in Nigeria with over 20 million residents. There are fears that the disease could spread rapidly in the state as more people move around.
The state government banned the gathering of 50 people and later scaled down to 20 to mitigate the spread of the virus.
It also banned parties, closed clubs, pubs and worship centres in the state.
Checks reveal that resident flouted the order by the state government on Saturday and many held weddings and other social gatherings.
Two event centres, Regency and Imeri halls in the Business District of Ikeja, the state capital on Saturday after they hosted parties in defiance to the state ban.
Experts believe that there would be more community infections in the state considering the congested nature of the state.
Lagos is the commercial hub of Nigeria with strategic seaports and an International Airport which is the main corridor into the country.
A total lockdown in the state would mean partially shutting down the economy of Nigeria.
Residents have expressed fears that if there is lockdown the economy of many households would be severely affected as they depend on daily income.
