Kunle Adelabu
In line with the COVID – 19 protocols, the Lagos Government has issued a set of guidelines for the resumption of businesses in the hospitality and tourism sector in the State.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Honourable Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, over the weekend.
According to her, the new guidelines are meant to ensure the health and safety of all guests and staff in all the affected businesses.
“The new rules affect all accommodation establishments such as hotels, motels, apartments, suites, Inns, guest houses among others. Also, tourism enterprises like event centres/entertainment places and food establishments like restaurants, eateries, fast food, lounge and bars, and cinemas”, she disclosed.
The Commissioner explained that the Ministry arrived at the set of protocols for the practitioners after due consultations with relevant stakeholders in the hospitality and tourism sector and in recognition of the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the industry.
She noted that, apart from the general safety protocols which include the compulsory use of face masks, regular hand washing, use of sanitisers, maintenance of social distancing, temperature check, encouragement of cashless transactions, disinfection of premises and buildings among others, owners of hospitality establishments are now required to offer 50% of their space capacity to guests for now in order to maintain physical distancing, in addition to the separation of dining tables.
“For now, there will be no buffet serving arrangement. All guests (over 18 years old) must be made to sign a COVID-19 form at the reception that has the name, address and phone number of guests for easy contact tracing purpose”.
According to the guidelines, owners of food establishments such as restaurants, eateries, fast food and lounge are mandated to indicate two metres spacing on the floor to guide their customers in physical distancing, while fast food outlets and eateries are to maintain take-away services.
On the modalities for tourism enterprises such as event centres/entertainment places, the Commissioner directed that they must hold a valid licence from Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture prior to holding an event, in addition to an Event Safety Clearance from the Lagos State Safety Commission before such event is held.
“Occupancy at any event, for now, must not exceed 50% maximum capacity of the hall with a maximum duration of three hours for all social events. Event Centres sitting arrangement must also comply with the two metres physical spacing. All tables must be set at least five meters apart in order to maintain a safe distance and free movements”, Akinbile-Yusuf stated.
She warned against violation of the stated conditions by event centre owners and party planners, stressing that the penalty for infraction will attract a sum of one million naira.
The Commissioner also warned that operation in all cinemas must not exceed the hours stipulated by the government to ensure compliance with the 10.00p.m to 4.00a.m curfew directive.
