Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has said residents must present their COVID-19 vaccination cards as a prerequisite to attending social gatherings in the state.

The governor also released guidelines for social events and gatherings during the Christmas season, saying, “All Social Events must be duly registered to obtain Event Safety Clearance from the Lagos State Safety Commission website prior to holding; and the guidelines set out below must be strictly adhered to.”

Sanwo-Olu disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday as the outbreak of the Omicron COVID-19 variant continues to spread.

He lamented the procurement of COVID-19 test results by intending outbound air passengers, describing it as worrisome.

He said, “This is a very worrisome trend for us to note and we are currently working with the NCDC (Nigeria Centre for Disease Control), DSS (Department of State Services) and the police to investigate and bring to book the criminal gangs involved in this reprehensible activity.

“Our State Mobile Courts will be used to prosecute all those involved in flouting the regulations; as well as those engaged in the fraudulent production of fake covid test results and vaccination certificates.”

Regarding the new guidelines for social events and gatherings during the Christmas season, Sanwo-Olu said, “Occupancy limit at any event must not exceed 60% of maximum design capacity of the event centre.

“Every attendee of a social gathering MUST present their Vaccination Cards or digital bar code page showing at least first dose but preferably double dose full vaccination.

“In unvaccinated people, a negative PCR within 72 hours will be an exemption.

“Everybody, irrespective of vaccination status, MUST be subject to Rapid Diagnostic test (Antigen) to be conducted AT THE EVENT VENUE OR within 24hrs prior to the event at designated laboratories. (Request for rapid tests at the venue requires an application through the Safety Commission).

“Under 18 years of age are unvaccinated and the above applies.

“Guests and service providers with high temperature (above 37.5) are to be politely turned back and referred to paramedics or the emergency response team on ground.

“All guests and service providers at the event must wear a nose mask or face shield before entry.

“All guests and service providers must endeavour to wash their hands before entering the venue or use hand sanitisers after which temperature checks should be carried out.

“Hand sanitisers to be positioned at the entry point and different spots within the venue.”