Lagos State is set to take steps to prevent another wave of COVID-19, following the flattening of the second wave.
According to a statement signed by the Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, Prof. Akin Abayomi on the 3rd May, 2021 stated that despite the significant reduction in the number of positive cases and deaths of covid-19 patients, the trigger for a third wave in Lagos is likely to happen, because of the importation of new COVID strains from inbound travelers.
“All the strides gained in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic will be lost if protocols are not put in place to protect our borders against the importation of new and mutant strains which may trigger the oncoming of a third wave.” He stated.
Lagos State therefore have taken steps to avoid a third wave. Listed below are some of the steps:
One of the steps taken by the State is ensuring that all passengers are required to be in receipt of a negative COVID-19 PCR test at least 72hours before departure to and landing in Lagos.
Also all passengers are to book and pay for their day 7 test either through the National portal and/or the Lagos State portal covid19.
All passengers must have paid for their tests before arrival in Lagos State. Failure to do this will result in delays at the airport.
Non-Nigerian passengers who have been in Brazil, india or Turkey in the last fortnight would be banned from entering the country, due to concerns over the spread of coronavirus in these three nations.
However, Nigerians and permanent residents of Nigeria who have been in those countries in the last 14 days will have to undergo mandatory quarantine for a week in a government-approved facility on arrival and all passengers arriving in Nigeria will now have to show a negative Covid-19 test taken within 72 hours of travel rather than the previous 96 hours period.
Abayomi also stated a note of warning that, “Anyone found to have either broken this rule or supplied a fake phone number or address in a bid to escape the laid down protocols will be identified and made to mandatorily isolate at any of our government or Public Private Partnership isolation centers or identified hotels for 10 days at their cost, in addition to a stipulated fine.
“Furthermore, passports of the indigenous passengers will also be forwarded to the authorities for deactivation”.
For Non-Nigerians who flout the rules, they may be subject to deportation, he stated.
Abayomi further pleaded with Lagosians not to assume the worst is over by going on without adhering to any precautionary measures. Residents are advised to still stick to the laid down protocols of always wearing facemasks in public gatherings, washing of hands and maintaining social distancing, even after receiving the vaccine.
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