Kunle Adelabu
Following the increase in COVID – 19 caseswhich the Lagos State Government said appeared to be the start of a potential 3rd wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state, Mr Babajide Sanwo – Olu has directed worship centres to fully comply with all protective protocols.
The charge was contained in an update by the governor on Sunday (yesterday).
He called on the Muslim faithful that are preparing to celebrate Sallah festival in about a week time to observe the annual event with caution.
“Greater vigilance is required at this time in our Churches and Mosques and other places of religious worship. Even as we are pleased that religious houses are now open for worship, after the lengthy closures of 2020, we must not allow ourselves to be carried away by the illusion that all is now back to normal.
“This is especially critical, as Sallah approaches, in a little over a week from now,” Gov. Sanwo – Olu said.
“The festivities will no doubt bring people together in large numbers and create conditions that can sadly cause the spread of the Coronavirus. We must not allow this to happen.
“For this reason, we are mandating full compliance with all protective protocols. Compulsory use of masks in all public places, Social distancing, Temperature checks, Provisions for hand-washing and sanitizers, and a maximum of 50 percent occupancy in enclosed spaces”.
The governor said that government at both state and federal levels needed the cooperation of citizenry to prevent the spread of Coronavirus which may lead to loss of lives and adversely affect means of livelihood.
“Whilst both the Federal and State Governments have a huge role to play in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic, the responsibility of managing the third wave ultimately belongs to all of us.
“Without the cooperation of the public at large, we stand the risks of losing both lives and livelihood, on a devastating scale. Therefore, I would like to once again reiterate that this is not the time to get tired or complacent. Instead, we must be re-energized to battle this invisible and seemingly relentless enemy.
“After almost 18 months of confronting this virus on daily basis, it is understandable that many are tired and want their old, pre-pandemic lives to return. Unfortunately, we do not have a choice in this regard, and fatigue is not an option. We cannot afford to be tired, frustrated or distracted.
“The enemy is formidable and opportunistic. It will only go as far as we allow it. Having triumphed over the first and second waves of the pandemic, we must now find within ourselves new reserves of energy to quell this emerging third wave before it snowballs out of control.
“Let me assure us all that victory over COVID-19 is much closer today than at any other point in our recent history. But we must persevere to see this victory. We must maintain our vigilance even as we ramp up vaccination coverage”, he said.
