Residents of Lagos have been banned from holding indoor gatherings of more than 50, the governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced of ver the weekend.

The ban comes amidst the rise in the cases of COVID-19 in the state and the country as well, with almost 105,000 infections nationwide.

At the time of this report, Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial centre, remains the epicentre of the delay virus in the country with a total of 49,274 cases and 304deaths although, almost 41,000 patients have been discharged after full recovery.

While giving an update over the weekend, Sanwo-Olu said that “the state government has observed with dismay the widespread flagrant disregard and non-adherence to guidelines and protocols aimed at stemming and curbing the tide of infection” hence the need for the move.

He, however, sounded “a very serious note of warning that henceforth all those found culpable and in breach of the existing regulations and guidelines would be swiftly and decisively dealt with in full accordance with the provisions of the law.”

The following should, however, be noted to ensure strict adherence to the government’s guidelines on COVID-19:

• No gathering of more than 50 persons shall hold in an enclosed space (either at bars, lounges, restaurants/eatery), except for religious purposes.
• Gatherings in places of worship, including churches and mosques, MUST not exceed 50% capacity of the space.
• Defaulters to these directives attract upon summary conviction, a fine or six months imprisonment and or both. 

Meanwhile, Lagosians should also continue with the following as task force officers have been deployed by the government to observe compliance with the COVID-19 regulations.

• Wearing of face masks ins compulsory for everyone in public
• Washing of hands at regular intervals still remains a safe measure
• Social distancing still remains one of the safest ways to avoid contracting the virus