Following the potential threats posed by the second wave of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic infections in the state, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Friday invoked earlier restrictions, banning public gatherings, concerts, street parties, and carnivals during the Yuletide season and other events that could lead to further spread of the pandemic.
The governor who is in self isolation for Covid-19 infection also ordered all public servants from Grade Level 14 and below, except emergency workers and first responders, to work from home from Monday, December 21 for the next 14 days – in the first instance.
The governor also directed shutting down of all schools and night clubs in Lagos with immediate effect and until further notice, saying that the midnight to 4am curfew imposed by the Federal Government remains in place.
Sanwo-Olu also said that the protocol of ‘No Mask No Entry’ must be enforced in all public places: offices, businesses, markets, shops, and so on. He insisted that all places of worship (churches, mosques, etc.) must ensure that no gathering exceeds two hours and also that no gathering exceeds 50% of the maximum capacity of the venue.
He said: “All event planners must obtain prior clearance from the Lagos State Safety Commission (www.lasgsafetyreg.com) for all events, and ensure that any planned gatherings do not exceed 300 people. Where the capacity of a venue exceeds 300 and permission has been granted, the occupancy shall not be more than 50% of such a venue. Ample ventilation must also be maintained at all times in all venues and deep cleaning of the premises must be carried out before and after every event.
“A minimum of two meters’ distance should be maintained between seated or standing guests. All guests and service providers at events must wear nose masks/coverings before entry. Hand sanitizers or hand washing units are to be positioned at the entry point and various spots within the hall. Provision must be made for all guests and service providers to wash their hands before entering the venue or use hand sanitizers, as well as undergo a temperature check, which is mandatory.
“Guests and service providers with high temperature (above 37.5) are to be politely turned back and referred to paramedics or the emergency response team that must be present. Health, Safety and Environment Officers must be present at all public gatherings (religious or social) and must be trained in basic first aid procedures.” Sanwo-Olu said
Reason for the restrictions
Explaining the rationale for the stiff measures, Governor Sanwo-Olu said that the Lagos State Government has sadly noticed that there is an unfortunate public perception that we have seen the end of the Covid-19 pandemic and that the worst is over. He described the perception as a fallacy, saying it is wrong and dangerous.
He added that the state government had also observed that the same disregard for Coronavirus guidelines is also being observed in places of worship across the State, in both their regular gatherings and the special gatherings organized to commemorate this season.
The governor said that the overwhelming non-compliance with guidelines meant to keep us all safe is very disheartening, especially when considering that the message at the heart of Christmas is one of sacrifice and sacrificial conduct; embodied by the Holy Bible in John 3:16.
He called on the residents to take his warning seriously as the virus does not discriminate, saying that his administration would not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law to bear on any person or organization caught breaching public health regulations and protocols with regards to the Coronavirus disease.
The governor also informed Lagosians that his health was improving, thanked them for their prayers and overwhelming kind thoughts.
Nneka Ukachukwu
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