Lagos State is definitely getting out of COVID-19 obstruction considering the address of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, yesterday.
The Governor disclosed at the 17th update on Coronavirus that the number of COVID-19 positive cases in the country is reducing,hence, reducing the number of isolation centres in the state.
He however said that the state is always at alert to confront possibility of a resurge.
“In terms of our Isolation Centers, we have since, last night shut down our Eti-Osa Isolation Center and will be shutting down our Agidingbi Isolation Center and moving all the patients there to our soon to be commissioned Indo Center.
“Furthermore, our Infectious Diseases Hospital in Yaba is now also gradually being reverted to its status as a hospital to cater to all forms of infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, HIV etc. The CaCovid dedicated tent on the IDH grounds will however remain strictly for Covid-19 cases,” he said.
Lagos state in the last two weeks has consisitently recorded a decline in new cases despite improving its testing capacity.
Sanwo-Olu also lifted ban on religious and public gatherings under strict conditions.
He said, “We must reiterate that places of worship are only permitted to have their regular once-a-week services on the designated days. For the avoidance of doubt, churches and mosques are not permitted to have other services or fellowships outside of their main weekly services.
“Places of worship are allowed to schedule multiple services, on their designated worship days, if necessary, as well as also encouraging as many people as possible to participate using virtual means,”
“Only regular services and gatherings are permitted to hold. Night Vigils and other non-regular programmes remain prohibited until further notice.
“Attendees over the age of sixty-five (65) years are strongly discouraged from attending services and churches should consider holding services and gatherings in large, well-ventilated areas or outdoors, as circumstances and faith traditions allow.
“The policy of “No facemask, No entry” must be maintained throughout the duration of the services.
“Regular cleaning and disinfection of facilities must be carried out to maintain clean and hygienic environments before and after every service. Appropriate screening equipment for Covid-19 symptoms such as a contactless temperature check must be available for entrants into the facility.
“It is mandatory to provide hand-washing facilities and sanitisers at the entry and exit point of the premises. National emergency response phone lines must be displayed prominently on the premises.
“Handshakes, Hugs and “high fives” are not permitted at services or gatherings, and this should be emphasizsed by displaying appropriate signs prominently. The use of stationary collection boxes and electronic methods for collection of offering must be encouraged.
“The flow of human traffic in and out of these places of worship must be conducted in an organised and orderly manner.”
The Governor has equally lifted ban on restaurants and other eateries that will now be permitted to open for in-dining services, from the 14th of August, with the proviso that they maintain a 50% occupancy capacity, and have also obtained a Provisional Safety Compliance Certificate through the registration portal of the Lagos State Safety Commission.
Also permitted to reopen are social clubs and recreational centers with effect from the 14th of August 2020, on the condition that they have applied for and obtained a Provisional Safety Compliance Certificate through the registration portal of the Lagos State Safety Commission.
