Lagos State warns that those who breech Covid-19 protocols over Xmas face one year jail term

RESIDENTS of Lagos State who contravene the coronavirus restrictions introduced by the state government face the risk of being sent to jail for a one year period as the authorities clamp down on protocol abuses as a second wave of the pandemic looms.

After months of recording low figures on a daily basis, Nigeria's Covid-19 cases have spiked in December with over 11,000 infections detected by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in three weeks. Boss Mustapha, the chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 has warned that Nigeria is now facing a second wave of infections similar to those of other nations across the world.

Lagos, which has recorded the highest number of cases in Nigeria, has been the epicentre of the second wave alongside Kaduna State and the Federal Capital Territory. In a tweet the Lagos State government has reminded residents of the consequences of violating Covid-19 regulations.

A government spokesman said: "Failure to wear a face mask in public or breach of any Covid-19 regulations and you can be prosecuted under the Lagos State Infectious Diseases (Prevention) Regulations or Criminal Laws of Lagos State and upon conviction liable to imprisonment up to one year."

Governor Babajide Sanwoolu, currently recovering from Covid-19 himself, signed the Lagos State Infectious Diseases (Prevention) Regulations in March during the first wave of infections. Over 78,000 Covid-19 cases have been recorded in Nigeria since February, with over 68,000 recoveries but more than 1,200 people have died as a result of infection.

On Monday announced a number of new restrictions were announced, including a nationwide shutdown of bars, night clubs, event centres and recreational venues. Restaurants have also been directed to shut down, except for those providing services to hotel residents, takeaways, home deliveries and drive-ins.

Formal and informal festivity events like weddings, conferences, congresses, office parties, concerts, seminars, sporting activities and end-of-year events have also been restricted to not more than 50 people. Religious centres are to also operate at less than 50% capacity of the facility of use, with other safety measures strictly enforced.

Public transportation systems are to carry passengers not more than 50% of their capacity, in compliance with social distancing rules. These latest measures will be implemented over the next five weeks according to Mr Mustapha.