The Lagos State Government has decided to shut down all public and private schools from Monday, 23rd March 2020 as part of preventive measures against the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic.

According to a notice filed by the government to the general public, the move is premised on the need to prevent children and their teachers from getting more vulnerable to the pandemic.

As part of the preventive measures against the spread of the Coronavirus pandemic, the Lagos State Government is closing down all public and private schools from Monday, 23rd March 2020@jidesanwoolu @drobafemihamzat @ProfAkinAbayomi @osaelagos @hc_education #LASG #COVID19LAGOS pic.twitter.com/NiT9ARn8TP

— The Lagos State Govt (@followlasg) March 18, 2020

Giving residents guidelines on how to stay safe during the period, the state asked children to practice social distances and good hygiene.

"It is important for parents to ensure that their children practise ‘social distancing’ while at home, wash their hands regularly or use hand sanitizers and observe high standards of personal hygiene. Children should be encouraged to remain at home.

"The closure is not intended to create panic but to arrest the spread of the disease, which has become a global threat," the statement read in part.

On its part, the state government promised to trace all identified cases and asked anyone with vital information about suspected cases to call the emergency telephone numbers 08023169485, 08033565529, 08052817243 and 08023401214 or visit the nearest hospital.