COVID-19 GUIDELINES-LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT TO SET UP MOBILE COURTS FOR DEFAULTERS
As Christmas shopping begins and the Christmas trees light up in the city of Lagos, spending time with loved ones is a goal for many.
However, as travel restrictions relax globally, many in the diaspora who last year couldn’t travel to Nigeria to celebrate Yuletide because of strict COVID-19 travel guidelines can now do so.
Starting November 22nd 2021, enforcement of COVID-19 guidelines within Lagos will become stricter in efforts to stem a potential fourth wave in Lagos State.
The major factor identified to drive the fourth wave is the expected increase in inbound travel into Lagos during the festive season.
Because Lagos receives 86 percent of all incoming traffic to Nigeria, people travelling from COVID epicentres like Europe can operate as super spreaders, perhaps bringing this prediction to the truth.
The Lagos State government has announced that it will strictly enforce the COVID-19 guidelines for inbound passengers, both vaccinated and not, considering the seasonal increase and influx of foreign travellers that resulted in many outbreaks of COVID-19 in the state.
(Click here to read the new COVID 19 guidelines for inbound travel to Nigeria)
Here is what you need to know!
Besides the potential volume of inbound passengers arriving in the state during Christmas and New Year festivities, low vaccination rates and an expected rise in social activities were identified as potential drivers of the predicted fourth wave.
With only about 2.67% of the Lagos population vaccinated with two doses of the COVID vaccine, the vaccination coverage for the city of Lagos is still far from the target.
In the State’s attempt to mitigate a potential fourth wave, starting November 22nd 2021, the Lagos State government will be strictly enforcing the Lagos State Infectious Disease Regulation 2020 and the Lagos State COVID-19 law of 2021 by setting up mobile courts to prosecute defaulters and erring citizens with swift fervour.
(Click this link to access the Lagos State Infectious Disease Regulation 2020)
Categories of offences listed in the COVID law and regulations include:
- Failure to isolate as per COVID-19 guidelines
- Failure to present for COVID PCR testing on designated days
- Providing false information
- Presenting fake PCR or vaccination certificates
- Breaking the rules of physical distance at gatherings
- Creating super spreader events and
- Corporate entities undermine the integrity of the State response.
Read also: Nigeria Revises COVID-19 Travel Protocol
Strategic Plan to Mitigate the COVID-19 Fourth Wave
According to the Lagos state government, a four-pronged strategic plan will mitigate the (potential) fourth wave from hitting Lagos. These strategies include:
- Vaccination strategy during the festive season
- Testing strategy
- Management of inbound passengers of interest into the country
- Managing social events during the festive season
In conclusion,
The government is working to curb a fourth wave of the pandemic. Just as the fight against this scourge is a collective effort. Likewise, it is imperative that we each play our part as individuals.
Finally, wear your face mask, sanitize regularly, avoid crowded gatherings, and follow all COVID-19 regulations as stipulated by the government.
Looking for a place to carry out your COVID-19 test in Lagos and beyond?
Call 07013368570 or click here to book an appointment today!
(Click here for guidance for inbound passengers into Nigeria)
(Click here to book your outbound tests for passengers flying out of Nigeria)
