Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has said the lockdown in the state may be extended if the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) worsens.
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that President Muhammadu Buhari had ordered a 14-day lockdown in Lagos, Ogun, and FCT to curtail the spread of the dreaded disease in the country.
But speaking at a press briefing on the state government’s effort to curb the infection on Saturday, Sanwo-Olu said the extension of the lockdown would be determined if the infection rages on and would liaise with the federal government if need be.
Sanwo-Olu said: “This is just day five. So, in the first 14 days, we still have about eight or nine days to go.
“So, I’m sure that it’s something that all of us, including the federal authorities will be reviewing. The lockdown was not only a directive of the governor; it was a national decision and it has national backing. So, if there is a need to extend, I can assure you that we will make the call.”
Speaking further, the governor added that the state government will be offering free medical services to pregnant women and other persons with health needs in the state.
Sanwo-olu said the decision is to cushion the effect of the lockdown imposed to fight the spread of COVID-19 on Lagosians.
“The Lagos State Government will for the duration of this lockdown, in the first instance throughout the month of April, take full responsibility for the medical bills of all patients who fall under the following categories and present themselves at all our secondary health facilities, meaning our 27 general hospitals and the maternal and child health facilities that we have round the state.
“Emergencies, casualties, cases including registration, laboratory tests and surgeries will be treated free of charge,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He added, “Maternity cases and all pregnant women that have to do deliveries in this month of April, either cesarean or normal delivery will also be attended to free of charge.
“All admissions within this period will be free and treated free of charge in the month of April at the first instance.
“What this means is that those that have the above-listed conditions that will need to access the hospitals will be treated free”.
