Covid-19 Protocols: LASG seals six event centres in Oshodi-Isolo
By Abolaji Adebayo
No fewer than six relaxation centres were closed and sanctioned in Oshodi-Isolo LGA in January by the Lagos State Safety Commission for violating the Covid-19 protocols.
Within January, this year, about 20 clubs and bars fell victims in Lagos State, ECHONEWS gathered.
In Oshodi-Isolo, the affected organisations include: Don Rockmate Place Liberty Estate, Ago Palace; Evaland, Ago Palace Way; O Daniel Hotels, Ago Palace; Bisade Royal Hotel, Ago Palace, and Eva Rest Bar, Oshodi.
Others are 10/10 Ultimate Ventures; Anchor Point Hotel, Festac Town, Amuwo Odofin; Mama Jay Resturant, Amuwo Odofin; Haven Hotels, Festac; and Speedy Dish Mushin; Teasers Lounge Festac;
Following the emergence of the second wave of Coronavirus which is said to be deadlier, the Lagos State Government had issued some preventive measures including keeping social distance, compulsary use of nose cover, regular hand washing and use of alcohol based hand sanitiser.
As part of the preventive measures put up to curb the spread of the second wave of Coronavirus, Lagos State Government also empowered the Safety Commission to oversee and control gatherings of people.
For anybody or organisation to hold an event in the state, they must consult the commission to take permission and pay certain amount to hold such event with a sizeable number of participants.
The officials of the commission must be present at the event to enforce the rules.
For any event centre that violates the protocols while carrying out their businesses in the state, there are sanctions.
They were sealed for engaging in activities against the established Covid-19 protocols of the state.
In some of the events, there were more participants beyond the approved numbers while the people disregarded the use of nose covers.
As gathered, the owners of the erring organisations are to face legal sanctions.
The Director General, Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola disclosed that letters had earlier been sent to various organisations including hotels, bars and restaurants across the State to sensitize and ensure that they maintain safety precautions to combat and overcome the pandemic.
According to him, “it has become imperative to inform organisations across the state to ensure that additional measures are put in place in line with the directives of the Lagos State Governor to limit the transmission of the virus.”
The organisations were sealed up during the enforcement exercise by the commission as the DG affirmed that the state would not hesitate to deal with erring or non compliant facilities who contravene the established protocols for reopening the economy.
He reiterated that the State has zero tolerance for establishments that continue to violate State regulations and laws on Covid-19.
The highlight of the guidelines to keep safe include to enforce restriction on the gathering of not more than 25 people as the virus spreads rapidly in enclosed spaces; promote personal hygiene by providing water, soaps and alcohol based sanitizers.
The public are therefore urged to report gatherings of more than 25 people to the commission as it stated that it would continue its enforcement exercise across the state to identify all erring facilities, especially bars, gyms, lounges, spas and other social and religious centres.
