Wale Jagun
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo – Olu has directed that social clubs and recreational centres should be re-opened for business after months of closure due to Coronavirus pandemic, but on the condition that they must procure a Provisional Safety Compliance Certificate.
He gave the directive at a briefing at the State House, Marina, Lagos, on Saturday (yesterday) to owners of recreational and relaxation businesses that were shut months back.
In a release by the State government, the Governor stated that his government is sympathetic to the plight of business owners in the state, hence the re – opening, and added that the situation is still subject of review.
At the briefing, Gov. Sanwo – Olu announced that the state government is being encouraged by the decline in the cases of COVID – 19 infections in the State to re – open social clubs and recreational centres.
“Social clubs and recreational centers that have registered trustees have also been permitted to open, on the condition that they have applied for and obtained a Provisional Safety Compliance Certificate through the registration portal of the Lagos State Safety Commission”, he said.
“Restaurants are now permitted to open for in-dining services, but they must ensure the maintenance of a 50 per cent maximum occupancy at any point in time. They must also have obtained a provisional Safety Compliance Certificate.”
While stating that the government is still reviewing the permissible opening dates for businesses in tourism and hospitality industry, he added that there would be concrete decisions on easing the lockdown on tourism businesses before the end of September.
Meanwhile, the Governor has also directed that all event centers, bars, lounges, night clubs, spas, beaches, cinemas, gyms and game arcades should remain shut till further notice.
He also ordered civil servants in the State’s unified public service to comply with existing guidelines and roster schedules issued by the Head of Service and the heads of MDAs.
“As a Government, we will continue to keep our citizens informed and updated on the decisions that we are taking in response to the pandemic. We will also continue to ask for your understanding and cooperation. These are challenging times for all of us, and it requires extra levels of patience”.
