Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has directed that all government and private schools in the state be shut down until further notice.
He also directed all public servants from Grade Level 14 and below, except emergency workers and first responders, to work from home for the next 14 days starting from Monday next week – in the first instance.
The governor, in a statement on Friday said the decisions were taken after a virtual emergency state executive council meeting.
According to Sanwo-Olu, “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.
The governor, who tested positive for COVID-19 recently and said he was getting better by the day, stressed that concerts, carnivals and street parties were banned in Lagos until further notice.
According to him, night clubs have not been allowed to open yet and all night clubs in the state should be shut down indefinitely with immediate effect.
Governor Sanwo-Olu stated that the 12am to 4am curfew imposed by the Federal Government remained in place, and the protocol of ‘No Mask No Entry’ must be enforced by all public places such as offices, businesses, markets, and shops, among others.
He asked churches, mosques, and other places of worship to ensure all gatherings must not exceed two hours with 50 per cent of the maximum capacity of the venue.
All Event Planners must obtain prior clearance from the Lagos State Safety Commission (www.lasgsafetyreg.com) for all events, and ensure that any planned gatherings do not exceed 300 people. Where the capacity of a Venue exceeds 300 and permission has been granted, the occupancy shall not be more than 50% of such a venue,” he said.
The governor added that ample ventilation must also be maintained at all times in all venues, and deep cleaning of the premises must be carried out before and after every event.
He said a minimum of 2 meters’ distance should be maintained between seated or standing guests and that all guests and service providers at events must wear nose masks/coverings before entry.
Governor Sanwo-Olu directed that guests and service providers with high temperature (above 37.5 degrees) should be politely turned back and referred to paramedics or the emergency response team.
He stated that health, safety and environment officers must be present at all public gatherings – whether religious or social – and should 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. Event Centre Owners/Planners/Vendors will be responsible for any breach of protocols by their Staff,” he stated.
