Rolls out relief package for 200, 000 vulnerable households
The Lagos State commissioner of health, Prof Akin Abayomi has projected a rise in the coronavirus disease cases in the state to 39, 000 if social distancing is not strictly adhered to
The commissioner who stated this at a press briefing held in Ikeja on Friday said it was very important for Lagosians to adhere to social distancing, adding that it is one of the measures to halting the spread of the respiratory disease.
“Our mathematical modelling shows that the worst-case scenario is that we may see up to 39,000 cases in Lagos, but if everyone practices good social distancing, the figure will be limited to 13,000.
“If we add social distancing to active contact tracing, then we will be able to bend the curve further. The figures may seem alarming at this point, but this is just to emphasise to the Lagos community to follow instructions of the incident commander to make sure that we practice social distancing.
“Looking at the same timeframe from the introduction of the index case, you can see that Lagos State is not seen anywhere near what Spain, Italy, and Iran are showing.
“So, at weeks two and three of our index case, we are flat; and at week four, we have 37 cases; while at the same fourth week, Italy, Iran, and Spain had more than 20,000 cases,” he said.
Also on Friday, the state governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has unveiled economic stimulus package for some 200,000 indigent and the most vulnerable households in the state.
A statement by his spokesman, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, said the stimulus, which comes in food packs, to be distributed to every local government in the State, was aimed at cushioning the effect of the fourteen days stay-at-home directive.
Speaking after an on-the-spot assessment of one of the State-owned food banks, located inside the premises of the ministry of agriculture and cooperatives in Agege, Sanwo-Olu said the economic stimulus will reduce the burden of the temporary economic downturn on the citizens caused by the outbreak of COVID-19.
The governor said the food packs, which were put together by the ministry of agriculture and cooperatives will reach the most vulnerable communities and households across Lagos.
He said the indigents who rely on daily wages will be given priority.
‘‘We are here for an on-the-spot assessment, of our readiness, to see how we can fast track some of our stimulus package for our citizens. We are all aware that this is a trying time for our citizens and since the partial drop in economic activities, our government deemed it necessary to reach out to the vulnerable ones in the society. These people are those that fall below the pyramid, the aged and the physically challenged who need to move from one part of the city to another for them to have a living. We felt that as a government, the least we can do is to identify them and give them these stimulus packages immediately,’’ he said.
The governor stated that the package will touch at least 200,000 thousand households in the first phase.
He said the food packs are produced for a size of six people per household and would last for at least fourteen days.
“We have packaged dry food stimulus for about two hundred thousand families in the first instance for a household of husband, wife and about four children. We would be giving bags of rice, bags of beans, garri, bread, dry pepper and we are trying to see if we can add water and some elements of vitamin C. Each ration, we believe is going to be able to last them at least minimum 14 days just so our advocacy around stay at home, stay with your loved ones will be respected.
“This is a catalytic initiative of our administration with the hope that well-meaning corporate organisations and private individuals can step up to complement the efforts of the government’’ Sanwo-Olu said.
Earlier, the commissioner of agriculture, Mr. Gbolahan Lawal, had said that the government would be working with the existing database of the state – using the Lagos State Social register and 4, 000 community development association registers in 377 wards.
He said the economic stimulus was part of the government’s initiatives tailored towards ensuring that food security is sustained in the state.
