Foreigners coming into the country through Lagos State must adhere to the COVID-19 travel protocols or face possible deportation, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu warned yesterday.
The governor also reiterated that all-inbound passengers for international flights must perform a Day 2 test within 48 hours of arrival into the country, as well as an additional Day 7 PCR test for all partially or unvaccinated inbound passengers.
“These tests are mandatory to assist the state monitor the inflow of positive passengers, which we have identified as a veritable source of our waves and community spread,” the governor said.
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement giving updates about the Coronavirus pandemic, said the “state would begin prosecuting those who refuse to submit themselves for these mandatory tests by blacklisting their passports for one year”.
The statement added: “This would be carried out in partnership with the Presidential Steering Committee. In addition, all foreigners that flout the rules would be subject to possible deportation. Therefore, I implore all intending inbound passengers to perform their required tests at any of the private laboratories within the Lagos State Private Laboratory Consortium as and at when due.
“It is also pertinent to mention that we have received very disturbing information about intending outbound passengers procuring fake COVID-19 test results and/or vaccination cards. This is a very worrisome trend for us to note, and we are currently working with the NCDC, DSS and police to investigate and bring to book the criminal gangs involved in this reprehensible activity.
“We implore everyone to desist from patronising these gangs, as anyone found with a fake COVID-19 test result and/or vaccination card will be liable to prosecution and very stiff penalties.
“Most of the continents of the world – including Africa – are now experiencing a fourth wave of the pandemic. Unfortunately, Lagos State is not left out as we are also experiencing the beginnings of a fourth wave with current positivity rate at six per cent. This is against the positivity rates of 0.1 per cent as at the middle of November 2021.
“Based on our analysis, the fourth wave was brought by the non-adherence to the laid down protocols to mitigate this pandemic. I, once again, plead with everyone to get vaccinated and join hands with the government in managing this wave of the pandemic in this festive season by following the guidelines we have set, especially regarding use of face masks, public gatherings and travelling in and out of the state.”
