The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi has come out to beg Lagosians to make lifestyle adjustments amid the coronavirus pandemic.

He recently revealed that with the rising cases of COVID-19 infections in the state, Lagosians must keep adhering to all non-pharmaceutical interventions in order to cope.

According to him, citizens have to adopt all COVID19 safety protocols including proper and regular use of face mask, social distancing guidelines and avoiding mass gatherings.

He added that the people should start practising regular hand and respiratory hygiene, and they should also submit themselves for tests if symptomatic, self-isolate if positive and present early to an isolation centre for treatment.

His words, “People need to take responsibility against the infection.”

“We will deploy effective messaging and education via our various public information channels and platforms, while we enforce all guidelines through the respective state agencies.”

“According to the provisional quarantine protocol, all intending inbound passengers must test negative by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) done in the country of departure within 72 hours of boarding and are required to register via – http://nitp.ncdc.gov.ng and pay for a repeat (second) PCR test to be done upon arrival in Nigeria on day 7 at an accredited lab of their choice.

“Passengers must also prior to boarding fill in an online Health Declaration/Self-Reporting form located on the Nigeria International Travel Portal which must be submitted online or printed for presentation on arrival in Nigeria.”

“On arrival in Nigeria, passengers must show evidence of payment with an appointment for a repeat PCR test in-country following which passengers will be cleared through the Nigeria Immigration Service. Passengers must then proceed on a 7-day self-isolation as per protocol and present at the designated accredited sample collection sites on the 7th day of arrival. Passengers who test negative after seven days will end self- isolation on the 8th day.”

“It is also important that citizens take responsibility and adhere strictly to safety protocols and government guidelines to curtail the spread of the infection.”