worker holding a COVID-19 test kit.
Incoming passengers who shun the Federal Government’s
guidelines against COVID-19 have been warned to stop it or face the
consequences.
The Lagos State government issued the warning on Friday in a
statement jointly signed by the Commissioner for Information and
Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, and the Commissioner for Health,
Professor Akin Abayomi.
It explained that this was necessary to protect residents
against the fatal effects of the reversal of the gains made against
the pandemic, which are loss of lives, livelihood, and economic
hardship.
“It has been reported severally through notification from Port
Health Services, NCDC, the Lagos State Biobank and Accredited
Private Laboratories carrying out COVID-19 tests that inbound
passengers arriving Nigeria are breaching the COVID-19
protocols.
“We have on good authority that some passengers, having
registered and paid for COVID-19 test have failed to report to
assigned private laboratories after completion of their seven days
isolation,” the statement said.
It added, “Some incoming passengers even failed to register and
pay for the test altogether whilst making their journey to the
country in total disregard and breach of the safety protocols.
“Likewise, a large number of international passengers provided
wrong information and contact details while registering online,
making it difficult for them to be reached, traced, or contacted by
our logistics team.”
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According to the government, the action of such people is
worrisome and portends danger for public health and safety as the
populace stands the risk of infecting unsuspecting patients.
It stated that it would not fold its arms and watch the gains
made against the disease to be reversed by the irresponsibility of
those who choose to flagrantly disregard COVID-19 guidelines.
The government said it was ready to take action against people
who flout the protocols, noting that it has reported the trends to
the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19.
It added that the PTF has directed the Nigeria Immigration
Service to take action against travellers who breach the travel
protocols and guidelines.
“The Federal Government through the Immigration Service is
compiling names and passport numbers of returned passengers who are
yet to present themselves for the PCR test.
“We wish to advise those who fall within this category to
rethink their decision and present themselves for the test within
one week to avoid deactivation of their passport,” the statement
said.
Read more https://swordpress.com.ng/2020/12/05/lagos-govt-to-sanction-travellers-evading-covid-19-test/