Lagos vows to sanction inbound passengers violating COVID-19 safety protocols

The Lagos State Government says severe sanction awaits inbound travellers and passengers who flout the COVID-19 safety protocols.

READ ALSO: COVID-19 third wave: Lagos records 500 deaths

This was according to a press statement released  by the Director of Public Affairs, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo.

According to the statement, as of August 19, 58 Passengers of Interest who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus despite a negative test on arrival have been identified.

Ogunbanwo said the state is now more committed to fully implement all the COVID-19 protocols without fear or favour.

“Our conviction of ensuring public health security and safety outweighs any other considerations.

“Severe sanctions await inbound travellers and passengers who flout the protocol of the Federal and State COVID-19 pandemic law.

“Citizens need to realise that we are in the middle of a serious pandemic and that it is through shared responsibilities that we can overcome this pandemic.

“Residents are also encouraged to resist the urge of supporting passengers in defaulting the required protocols,” he said.

He added that the COVID-19 third wave that the state and other parts of Nigeria are experiencing is a direct result of the importation of cases from other countries where the pandemic is very active.

“This is why the travel guidelines are so important in minimising the impact on our citizens and economy.

“Lagos State Government has observed a disturbing trend of false accusations by some defaulting international travelers about the implementation of COVID-19 travel protocols as laid down by the Federal Government, especially around inbound travelers from the Red-listed Countries like South Africa, India, Brazil, and Turkey.

“Of note is the case of Adesola Adeleke, who flew in from South Africa. She attempted to bypass the system established to safeguard our citizens and as a result, has put several innocent people at potential risk of contracting COVID-19,” Ogunbanwo noted.

He, however, said Adeleke would be made to face the consequences of breaking the Coronavirus Law of 2021 based on the allegations that have been levelled against her in a court of law.

Winner/ Punch