The Lagos State Ministry of Health disclosed that over 500 deaths have been recorded in isolation centres across the state.
Director, Public Affairs, Ministry of Health, Lagos State, ‘Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, revealed this in a press statement on Sunday, titled, “COVID third wave mitigation: Lagos to sanction erring inbound passengers”.
Ogunbanwo explained that inbound travellers contributed to the increasing fatalities recorded in the state.
The statement read in part:
“The COVID-19 Third Wave that Lagos and other parts of Nigeria are experiencing is as a direct result of the importation of cases from other countries where the pandemic is very active.
This is why travel guidelines are so important in minimizing the impact on our citizens and economy. Lagos State Government has observed a disturbing trend of false accusations by some defaulting international travellers about the implementation of COVID travel protocols as laid down by the Federal Government, especially around inbound travellers from the RED listed Countries like South Africa, India, Brazil, and Turkey.
“Since the commencement of the isolation of passengers from the red-listed countries, the Lagos State response has successfully quarantined 4,448 passengers as of the 19th of August 2021 and identified 58 POIs who tested positive to the COVID-19 virus, despite a negative test on arrival; and would have hitherto contributed to the ongoing third wave which has claimed over 500 deaths recorded at our isolation centers.
“The State Government is, in fact, now more committed than ever to fully implementing all COVID protocols without fear or favor. Our conviction of ensuring public health security and safety outweighs any other considerations.
“Severe sanctions await inbound travelers and passengers who flout the protocol of the Federal and State COVID pandemic law. Citizens need to realize that we are in the middle of a serious pandemic and that it is through shared responsibilities that we can overcome this pandemic. Residents are also encouraged to resist the urge of supporting passengers in defaulting the required protocols.”
