Lagos State Government , on Tuesday , placed a partial closure on banking activities in the state as part of measures to break the cycle of transmission of coronavirus .
Governor Babajide Sanwo -Olu also directed all markets and stores trading in non- essential commodities to close for seven days .
The directive takes effect from Thursday , March 26 , a statement from the Lagos State Government added .
Sanwo -Olu advised the organised private sector to take drastic steps as done by the government in the public sector and allow non -essential workers to work from home .
The governor also asked banks and other financial institutions to prioritise online channels for their services to the public , adding that only essential and key senior staff should be allowed to work in the office during the restriction period.
In a televised briefing after State ’s Security Council meeting held at the State House in Marina , Sanwo -Olu said the restriction measures were necessary , given the rise in the number of confirmed COVID -19 cases in Lagos .
He said the directive should not be seen as a lockdown on business activities in the State .
He said the guidelines would be reviewed after seven days .
He said , “It is only when you are alive that you can talk about economics and finance . We want to encourage the organised private sector to allow their workers to work from home .
“Banks and other financial institutions are encouraged to prioritise online channels for their services to the public with only essential key staff being in the office during this time . Only key staff should be present .
“ We are a subset of a sovereign . We are not a sovereign. This is why we cannot completely lock down Lagos . We need to be considerate .”
Other public places shut by the government include markets , parks , playgrounds, and recreational centres within the state , regardless of ownership .
The directives , the Governor said , did not affect pharmacy shops and all markets where foodstuffs are traded .
“Eateries and restaurants must not accept eat – in customers ; they are to serve food in takeaway packages .
“As much as possible, let us all refrain from inter – state travelling of any kind until the worst of the crisis is behind us ,” he said .
