In view of the re-opening of hospitality and tourism centres in the state, the Lagos State Government has listed sets of protocols and guidelines that must be put in place by the concerned establishments.
This was made known in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf during the weekend.
These protocols and guidelines are meant to ensure the health and safety of all guests and staff in all the facilities involved.
Akinbile-Yussuf revealed that the state government arrived at the set of protocols for the operators in the hospitality and tourism sector after due consultations with relevant stakeholders in the sector and in recognition of the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on the industry.
According to her, “The rules affect all accommodation establishments such as hotels, motels, apartments, suites, inns, guest houses etc. tourism enterprises like event centres and food establishments like restaurants, eateries, fast food, lounge and bars, and cinemas.’’
The Commissioner stated that, aside the general safety protocols which include the compulsory use of face masks, regular hand washing, use of sanitisers, maintenance of social distancing, temperature check, encouragement of cashless transactions, disinfection of premises and buildings, among others, owners of hospitality establishments are required to offer 50% of their space capacity to guests for now in order to maintain physical distancing, in addition to the separation of dining tables.
“For now, there will be no buffet serving arrangement. 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.” She said.
The Commissioner disclosed that restaurants and eateries are mandated to indicate two metres spacing on the floor to guide their customers on physical distancing, adding that fast food outlets and eateries are also to maintain take-away services for now, stressing that operators of tourism enterprises such as event centres and entertainment places must hold valid licenses from the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture before holding an event. This is in addition to an Event Safety Clearance from the Lagos State Safety Commission before the holding of such event.
“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.” She stated
Warning that violation of these conditions would attract a sum of N1 million as penalty, she revealed that owners of cinemas are to follow all guidelines stipulated for the hospitality sector and event centres as it relates to 50% capacity, two metres spacing and the signing of Covid-19 forms by customers above 18 years, stressing that the operation of all cinemas within the State must adhere to the time stipulated for operation, which is 10 p.m to 4 a.m.
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