City Takes to Twitter to Gauge Support for Further Lockdown
Nigeria’s Biggest City Weighs New Lockdown With Twitter Poll
Lagos, Nigeria’s biggest city, took to Twitter to gauge support for a new lockdown as authorities complain residents aren’t following public-health guidelines.
More than 52,000 people had voted in the poll by 9 a.m. local time on Wednesday, with more than half supporting another lockdown. The poll still has two days to go.
The city has 1,999 confirmed infections, or 42% of known cases in Africa’s most populous country. The number of people with the illness has risen 69% since a six-week lockdown was eased on May 4.
With an estimated population of 22 million, Lagos is known for its chaotic transport systems, traffic congestions and crowded markets, all of which returned as soon as people were allowed to go back to work.
State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu warned this week that he would be forced to reimpose restrictions if residents continue to disregard social distancing.
“Despite massive advocacy, it is disappointing to see the crowd at banks & markets across the state flouting the guidelines,” Sanwo-Olu said on Twitter. “We will not hesitate to review the terms of #EasingTheLockdown if we do not see an improvement in the adherence to our public health guidelines over the next couple of days.”
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