By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Lagos State government has banned street parties, concerts and carnivals in the state until further notice following the rise in the number of coronavirus disease cases in the metropolis.
The ban was announced on Friday in a personal letter written by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to residents of the aquatic city.
Mr Sanwo-Olu, who tested positive for COVID-19 a few days ago and is receiving home-based treatment, held a virtual meeting with members of his cabinet yesterday.
At the gathering, the second wave of the virus in the country, especially the state, was discussed and it was agreed that measures must be taken to protect the lives of Lagosians.
It was agreed that the state cannot lose guard against the virus as efforts must be made to step up the battle against the contagion that has gripped the world for several months now.
“Dear Lagosians, you will all agree with me that we cannot afford another lockdown of the economy. Amidst an economic recession, we must find a way to delicately balance the imperatives of life and livelihood.
“With this in mind, the only solution available to us is to take responsibility for all our actions, and to understand that we must stay safe not only for ourselves but for the sake of the entire society,” the Governor said in his letter.
He noted that as a result of this, “All public servants from grade level 14 and below, except emergency workers and first responders, are to work from home as from Monday, December 21 for the next 14 days – in the first instance. All schools must shut down with immediate effect, and until further notice.
“Concerts, carnivals and street parties are banned in Lagos State until further notice. Night clubs have not been allowed to open yet. All night clubs in Lagos must immediately shut down, until further notice. The midnight to 4am curfew imposed by the Federal Government remains in place.
“The protocol of No Mask No Entry must be enforced by all public places: offices, businesses, markets, shops, and so on. Hand sanitizers or handwashing units are to be positioned at the entry point and various spots.”
Mr Sanwo-Olu stressed further that: “All places of worship (churches, mosques, etc.) must ensure that no gathering exceeds two hours and also that no gathering exceeds 50 per cent of the maximum capacity of the venue.
“Health, safety and environment officers must be present at all public gatherings (religious or social) and must be trained in basic first aid procedures.
“The safety commission has been directed to visit event centres and gauge compliance with the established guidelines, to stop the virus from spreading. If there is evidence of lack of compliance at any event centre, it will be shut down immediately.”
“Security agents have been mandated to ensure full enforcement, without exception. No one will be deemed to be above the law. Any and all breaches of these regulations and public health protocols will lead to immediate closure as well as attract heavy fines, and any other sanctions and penalties deemed fit, in line with the Lagos State Infectious Diseases Control Regulation 2020,” he added.
He urged residents of the state to use the festive season to spend quality time in small but controlled gatherings with family and friends in the spirit of the season.
On his health, the Governor said he’s “getting better by the day and all will surely be well. I thank Lagosians for their prayers and overwhelming kind thoughts. I am, indeed, very grateful.”
