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The Lagos State government has joined other Nigeria states like Cross Rivers, to declare compulsory use of face masks by residents in public places across the state.
Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced on Saturday the compulsory use of face masks, saying the measure was aimed at halting the spread of the virus in the megacity of over 20 million people.
Sanwo-Olu said the state was firmly in the community transmission phase of the pandemic, compelling the need for more precautions to stem the spread in the state. Adding that sanctions will be meted out to non-compliant residents.
He stated: “Let me now formally announce that face masks are now compulsory in public places in Lagos state. Failure to use masks in public will invite sanctions and penalties,” the governor was quoted as saying.
“We have commenced arrangements for the production of large quantities of face masks for the use of the people of Lagos state. This is indeed a great opportunity for many businesses, small and large, in the state, to contribute to the COVID-19 response while also getting a chance to do business and earn money.”
The governor ordered families who have corpses in the mortuaries to come pick them for funeral within two weeks, as measure to decongest the facility while also permitted funeral ceremony in the state.
In a statement via his Twitter handle on Saturday, he said: “Today, I gave an order that families who have corpses of loved ones in our mortuaries have 2 weeks to pick the bodies for funeral so as to decongest our facilities. For about two months, there have been no funerals in Lagos due to the Lent period and restrictions of #COVID19.”
He said funerals must be in compliance with stated guidelines, which are that “the total number of persons at the funeral, including officiating religious leaders, must not exceed 20.
“Appropriate physical distancing must be maintained at the funeral ceremony, all attendees/mourners must use masks and ensure they wash their hands after the ceremony.
“There also must be NO receptions or parties to accompany these funerals.”
Sanwo-Olu therefore warned: “If we are unable to see a decongestion of the mortuaries across the State in the next two weeks the Lagos State Government will be compelled to carry out mass burials to achieve this. We do not want to be forced to do this, which is why we are asking for your cooperation in this regard.”
