Lagos shuts all schools, warns against use of chloroquine

BY OUR EDITOR

All tertiary institutions in Lagos State are to shut down with immediate effect. The order was pronounced on Friday by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu during a live broadcast on the Coronavirus update in the State.

Sanwo-Olu said the rapid spread of the pandemic necessitated the immediate suspension of all gatherings of more than 50 persons as well as closure of all public and private schools in the state with effect from Monday, March 23, 2020.

The Governor urged Lagosians to support the government in its effort to defeat the scourge, pledging that an economic stimulus would be announced after the state Executive Council meeting next week.

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Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has warned Lagosians against indiscriminate use of chloroquine, saying the anti-malarial drug has significant side effects and should not be used without medical supervision, as it may cause more harm than good.

“We do not have any hard evidence that chloroquine is effective in preventing or managing #COVID19. We are watching the global research space to clearly define its efficiency in #COVID19.

“Lagos State Ministry of Health will be conducting its own clinical trial on the effectiveness of chloroquine in the prevention or management of #COVID19 infection,” the government said.