Categories: News

COVID-19 Tests From Public Lab Not Valid For Travels – Sanwo-Olu

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos state, says COVID-19 tests from public health centers cannot be used for travel purposes.

Sanwo-Olu said this while giving update and situation reports on COVID-19 in the state on Sunday.

He said outbound and inbound travellers should make use of the 21 private laboratories accredited by the Lagos state government for COVID-19 testing.

“Anyone wishing to test as a requirement for either outbound or inbound travel or other work-related requirements must do so at any of the 21 private laboratories accredited by Lagos State for COVID testing,” Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor disclosed the state has concluded plans to procure its own vaccine, which is different from the federal government’s arrangement for vaccines.

He said frontline workers, people who are medically vulnerable, essential workers and old people would be given priority when vaccines become available in the state.

“At the moment the State Government is finalizing its own vaccine strategy; while at the same time keeping a close eye on ongoing vaccine research, development and clinical trials. It is also in constant engagement with all the relevant stakeholders in that space, in the public and private sectors,” the governor said.

The governor said the use of oxygen in the state COVID-19 treatment centres is free of charge.

He said the demand for oxygen in the state treatment centers has spiked to 300 and 400 cylinders per day.

The governor said the state-owned Gbagada isolation center will now charge a moderate fee to treat COVID-19 patients, adding that the fee will be lower than that of private treatment centres.

He said the COVID-19 treatment facility in Yaba will continue to offer free and high-quality treatment to all persons.