The Lagos State Government has released some modalities that will guide re-opening of business activities in the hospitality and tourism sector in the state.
The set of protocols and guidelines must be put in place and implemented by operators in the sector if they must re-open for business.
For instance, besides the general safety protocols which include the compulsory use of face masks, regular hand washing, use of sanitisers, etc, owners of hospitality establishments will operate at 50% capacity in order to maintain physical distancing, dinning dining tables must be well separated, while guests above 18 years must sign a COVID-19 form at the reception that has the name, address and phone number for easy contact tracing purpose.
Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf disclosed this in a statement issued at the weekend.
She noted that the protocols and guidelines are meant to ensure the health and safety of all guests and staff in all the facilities involved.
According to her, “The new rules affect all Accommodation Establishments such as Hotels, Motels, Apartments, Suites, Inns, Guest Houses etc; Tourism Enterprises like Event Centres/Entertainment Places, and Food Establishments, like Restaurants, Eateries, Fast Food, Lounge and Bars, and Cinemas”.
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The Commissioner explained that the Ministry arrived at the set of protocols after due consultations with relevant stakeholders in the hospitality and tourism sector and in recognition of the effects of COVID-19 pandemic on the industry.
Akinbile-Yussuf said, “For now, there will be no buffet serving arrangements. All guests (over 18 years old) must be made to sign a COVID-19 form at the reception that has the name, address and phone number of guests for easy contact tracing purpose”.
The commissioner said restaurants and eateries are mandated to indicate two metres spacing on the floor to guide their customers in physical distancing, adding that Fast Food outlets and eateries are also to maintain take-away services for now.
For tourism enterprises such as Event Centres/Entertainment Places, the Commissioner stated that they must hold a valid licence from Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture prior to holding an event, in addition to an Event Safety Clearance from the Lagos State Safety Commission before such event is held.
“Occupancy at any event, for now, must not exceed 50% maximum capacity of the hall with a maximum duration of three hours for all social events. Event Centres sitting arrangement must also comply with the two metres physical spacing. All tables must be set at least five meters apart in order to maintain a safe distance and free movements”, Akinbile-Yusuf added.
She warned against violation of the stated conditions by event centre owners and party planners, stressing that the penalty for the infraction will attract a sum of N1 Million Naira.
While stressing that owners of cinemas are to follow all guidelines stipulated for the hospitality sector and event centres as it relates to 50 percent capacity, two metres spacing and the signing of COVID-19 forms by customers above 18 years, the Commissioner further noted that the operation of all cinemas within the state must not exceed the hours stipulated by the government to ensure compliance with the 10 p.m to 4 a.m curfew directive.
