Compulsory tests, proof of vaccination… Lagos issues COVID protocol for events

The Lagos government has announced new guidelines for social events and gatherings in the state during the festive season.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, listed the guidelines in a statement on Tuesday, after noting that the state is experiencing a fourth wave of the COVID pandemic.

The governor said during the festive period, vaccination cards or negative COVID test results must be presented at the entrance of event venues.

He also said all attendees must be tested at the event venue or 24 hours before, regardless of their vaccination status.

“All Social Events must be duly registered to obtain Event Safety Clearance from the Lagos State Safety Commission website: www.lasgsafetyreg.com prior to holding; and the guidelines set out below must be strictly adhered to,” the statement reads.

“Where possible, events should be held outdoors. Occupancy limit at any event must not exceed 60% of maximum design capacity of the event centre.

“Every attendee of a social gathering MUST present their Vaccination Cards or digital bar code page showing at least first dose but preferably double dose full vaccination. In unvaccinated people, 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).

“Under 18 years of age are unvaccinated and the above applies. Guests and service providers with high temperature (above 37.5) are to be politely turned back and referred to paramedics or the emergency response team on ground.

“All guests and service providers at the event must wear a nose mask or face shield before entry. All guests and service providers must endeavour to wash their hands before entering the venue or use hand sanitisers after which temperature checks should be carried out. Hand sanitisers to be positioned at the entry point and different spots within the venue.”