Ease of lockdown: Ogun residents shun social distancing, face masks

Customers failing to observe social distancing at a bank's premises 

Most residents of Ogun State, on Monday, refused to observe social distancing and wearing of face masks as they went about their normal business activities.

Wearing of face masks and social distancing are part of the mandatory measures prescribed to curb the spread of coronavirus pandemic.

Great Achiever Magazine reports that Ogun State government had earlier directed that all residents must compulsorily wear face masks when going out, while defaulters will be sent to isolation centres for 14 days.

In the same vein, people are expected to adhere to social distancing rule in public places.

However, Great Achiever Magazine's findings revealed that many residents displayed nonchalant attitude towards the directives, as they openly ignored them.

Many of the banks that opened for business across the state on Monday, were besieged by customers, who were crowded at the banks' premises without observing the social distancing directive.

Some of the residents who spoke to our reporter on the wearing of face masks claimed ignorance of the directive, while others said they were still waiting to receive the face masks which the state government promised to give them.

It was however observed that some market women, 'Okada' riders, motorists and few individuals complied with the face mask directive.

It will be recalled that the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, while speaking to newsmen on Friday, disclosed that government had procured and distributing one million face masks across the state to groups such as Market Women, Artisans, Transport Unions, Law Enforcement Agencies, Civil Servants and religious groups among others.

The governor, however, stated that everybody has a personal responsibility to procure and wear a face mask.

It will be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari, while announcing the ease of lockdown, stated that his administration will strictly ensure the mandatory use of face masks or coverings in public, in addition to maintaining physical distancing and personal hygiene.

But it remains to be seen when and how the enforcement of the social distancing and face mask wearing will be carried out.