President Muhammadu Buhari has declared a 14 curfew in Abuja, Lagos and Ogun state to curb the spread of coronavirus.

The President during his address on Sunday evening, said the curfew will take effect from 11pm on Monday, March 30, 2020.

The decision to focus on these states the president said was due to the number of cases confirmed in them.

“Based on the advice of the Federal Ministry of Health and the NCDC, I am directing the cessation of all movements in Lagos and the FCT for an initial period of 14 days with effect from 11pm on Monday, 30th March 2020. This restriction will also apply to Ogun State due to its close proximity to Lagos and the high traffic between the two States.

“All citizens in these areas are to stay in their homes. Travel to or from other states should be postponed. All businesses and offices within these locations should be fully closed during this period.”

The president noted that the FCT minister, and the governors of Lagos and Ogun state have been notified of this decision.

“The Governors of Lagos and Ogun States as well as the Minister of the FCT have been notified. Furthermore, heads of security and intelligence agencies have also been briefed.”

President Buhari said this period will be used to identify, trace and isolate all individuals that have come into contact with confirmed cases.

“We will ensure the treatment of confirmed cases while restricting further spread to other States” he said.

This order however does not apply to hospitals and all related medical establishments as well as organizations in health care related manufacturing and distribution.

Also commercial establishments such as; food processing, distribution and retail companies; petroleum distribution and retail entities; power generation, transmission and distribution companies; and private security companies are exempted.

The president noted that although these establishments are exempted, access will be restricted and monitored.