According to the Lagos State Government, inbound travelers and passengers who flout COVID-19 safety protocols will be dealt severe sanctions.
The government disclosed that it has quarantined 4,449 passengers since the commencement of the isolation of passengers from the red-listed countries like South Africa, India, Brazil, and Turkey, of which 58 Passengers of Interest who tested positive for the COVID-19 virus despite a negative test on arrival have been identified.
In a press statement released by the Director of Public Affairs, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, the state is now more committed to fully implementing all the COVID-19 protocols without fear or favour.
“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-19 pandemic law.”
“Citizens need to realise 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,” he said.
He added that the COVID-19 third wave that the state and other parts of Nigeria are experiencing is a direct result of the importation of cases from other countries where the pandemic is very active.
“This is why the travel guidelines are so important in minimising the impact on our citizens and economy.
“Lagos State Government has observed a disturbing trend of false accusations by some defaulting international travelers about the implementation of COVID-19 travel protocols as laid down by the Federal Government, especially around inbound travelers from the Red-listed Countries like South Africa, India, Brazil, and Turkey.
“Of note is the case of Adesola Adeleke, who flew in from South Africa. She attempted to bypass the system established to safeguard our citizens and as a result, has put several innocent people at potential risk of contracting COVID-19,” Ogunbanwo noted.
He, however, said Adeleke would be made to face the consequences of breaking the Coronavirus Law of 2021 based on the allegations that have been levelled against her in a court of law.
