Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State on Saturday has announced that schools in the state will reopen in September. The governor made this known during the state government’s regular briefing on COVID-19.

The reopening of schools is coming after a state-wide shutdown of educational activities in the state. The governor hinted that tertiary institutions will reopen from September 14 while primary and secondary schools will reopen the following week, September 21, 2020.

“This decision is not cast in stone and is subject to review of our ongoing modelling and what procedure comes out from the Ministry of Health,” Sanwo-Olu said.

This move by the state government is based on the fact that the pandemic has peaked in the state, as the number of new cases continues to steadily decline.

The governor added that restaurants are now permitted to open for in-dining services in the state, but they must continue to observe the COVID-19 protocols in which 50 percent of customers should be taken into consideration at all times.On the other hand, he hinted that re-opening of event centres, bars, night clubs, beaches, cinemas, would be reviewed in September.

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Friday, the State recorded just 27 new cases. Despite the reduction of figures of infections in the state the governor stressed it still remains the epicentre.

The state however, accounts for more than a third of Nigeria’s 53,000 plus COVID-19 cases but has seen low double-digit daily increases in the past week.

Meanwhile, the ban on international flights is expected to be lifted on September 5, adding the increased pressure of possible imported cases, Sanwo-Olu said he will personally inspect airport facilities and ensure all precautions are taken to keep people in the State safe.

“We will be working with the Ministry of Aviation and NCDC to ensure the safety at our airports are next to none,” he said.