The Lagos State Government on Saturday announced the increase of the permissible capacity of public gatherings from 20 to 50 persons.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, announced this at the Lagos House, Marina, during the 17th update on the management of coronavirus in the state.
Sanwo-Olu said that the increase applied to a wide range of events from Annual General Meetings (AGMs) to funerals.
He said that there had been a general decrease in positivity rates of COVID-19 cases in Lagos State over the past two weeks.
According to him, the decrease, when combined with the increase in testing numbers, paints a very encouraging picture of the outcome of the government’s response strategy.
He said that the state government would continue to fine-tune its efforts and strategies to build on the successes and close any existing gaps.
”Dear Lagosians, having carefully reviewed the current scenario in Lagos State, we have taken some important decisions in line with the ongoing objective of calibrating an effective balance between the competing demands of safeguarding lives and enabling livelihoods.
“We are increasing the permissible capacity for public gatherings from 20 to 50 persons. This applies to a wide range of events, from AGMs to funerals.
“Lagosians should please continue to keep in mind that there is documented evidence that mass gatherings can increase the spread of infectious diseases, such as coronavirus.
“As such, all standard prevention and control measures must be strictly adhered to: physical distancing, mandatory temperature checks and use of masks in public places, regular disinfection of premises, and strong personal hygiene.
“Restaurants will now be permitted to open for in-dining services, from the 14th of August, on the proviso that they maintain a 50 per cent occupancy capacity.
”The restaurants must have also obtained a Provisional Safety Compliance Certificate through the registration portal of the Lagos State Safety Commission: www.lasgsafetyreg.com,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He added that Social Clubs and Recreational centres would also now be allowed to open from Aug. 14, on the condition that they had applied for and obtained a Provisional Safety Compliance Certificate.
According to him, these Safety Clearance Certificates are at this time being issued only to Social Clubs with Registered Trustees.