The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has alerted Nigerians of an impending fourth wave of COVID-19, saying there is a possibility of Nigeria experiencing a new surge in infections.
The governor made this known in a statement he personally signed on Tuesday. He blamed the development on the non-adherence to preventive measures by Nigerians, adding that as of December 5, the state had recorded a total of 78,564 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with a total of, 71,977 certified to have recovered in community while 612 are still being managed actively in community.
Sanwo-olu said; “Most of the continents of the world – including Africa – are now experiencing a fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, Lagos State is not left out as we are also experiencing the beginnings of a fourth wave with the current positivity rate at 6 per cent.”
According to him, the state would do everything possible to ensure the protection of Lagos residents, and that the percentage of vaccinated residents of the state would be increased from the current 1.6 per cent to 30 per cent.
The governor said; “I have specifically mandated the Lagos State Ministry of Health to administer eight million doses to four million residents by the 25th of December 2021 under the Count Me In campaign. We have deployed a robust strategy that involves the private sector to improve access to vaccines.
“We are launching 30 private priority sites for those who want to be vaccinated within a private health facility. While vaccination at public centres remains free, there is an administration fee (N4,500 per dose and N6,000 for two doses) at private centres. To register for the vaccination, please visit the registration portal.”
He further stated that during the Yuletide, all social events must be duly registered to obtain what he tagged; “Event Safety Clearance” from the state’s safety commission.
He also said attendees of public functions in the state must present their vaccination cards or digital bar code page showing, at least, first dose but preferably double dose full vaccination.
Sanwo-Olu noted that ‘occupancy limit’ at any event must not exceed 60 per cent of maximum design capacity of the event centres, and that in the case of unvaccinated people willing to attend events, “a negative PCR within 72 hours will be an exemption.”
“Everybody, irrespective of vaccination status, MUST be subject to Rapid Diagnostic test (Antigen) to be conducted AT THE EVENT VENUE OR within 24hrs prior to the event at designated laboratories. (Request for rapid tests at the venue requires an application through the Safety Commission),” he said.