Yemisi Izuora
The Lagos State Government on Monday, December 28, blamed the opening up of the economy, the re-opening of schools, and the lifting of restrictions on religious and social gatherings as causing the spike in COVID-19 cases in the state.
This was disclosed by the Lagos Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi while giving an update on the state government’s response against the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic at a press briefing.
Abayomi blamed the upsurge in the cases on the false sense of security and non-adherence to safety guidelines by citizens.
He urged the people of Lagos State to make lifestyle adjustments by adhering to all non-pharmaceutical interventions in order to live with the pandemic.
The lifestyle adjustment, according to him, includes adhering to all COVID-19 safety protocols; proper and regular use of face masks, following social distancing guidelines, and avoiding mass gatherings.
Others are regular hand and respiratory hygiene; submitting for tests; self-isolation after testing positive for COVID-19; and going to an isolation centre for follow-up.
The commissioner said: “COVID-19 positivity for inbound travelers coming into Lagos is on the rise with an increase of eight percent this week alone and four percent cumulatively. This is because large numbers of Nigerians in the Diaspora are returning to spend the yuletide in Lagos.
“Passengers must also prior to boarding fill in an online Health Declaration/Self-Reporting form located on the Nigeria International Travel Portal which must be submitted online or printed for presentation on arrival in Nigeria.
“On arrival in Nigeria, passengers must show evidence of payment with an appointment for a repeat PCR test in-country; following which passengers will be cleared through the Nigeria Immigration Service.
“Passengers must then proceed on a seven-day self-isolation; as per protocol and present at the designated accredited sample collection sites on the 7th day of arrival. Passengers who test negative after seven days will end self-isolation on the 8th day.”