Fake COVID-19 test results on sale, LASG raises alarm

 

The Lagos State Government has raised alarm over sales of fake COVID-19 test results in the state, warning that processes are being put in place to clamp down on both buyers and sellers.

It also disclosed that in order to properly treat critical COVID-19 cases, the state has completed 10 oxygen centres across 10 COVID-19 high-burden local government areas in the state.

The state also threatened to deactivate the passports of travelers who refuse to comply with COVID-19 testing protocols.

Lagos, which is the epicentre of the pandemic in Nigeria, has recorded over 28,700 cases, with 236 fatalities.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has expressed worry over sensationalism being attached to the alarm it raised last week that 20 medical doctors died within a week from COVID-19.

This came as the World Bank said that the pandemic has further exposed the weaknesses of education systems around the world and might have increased Learning Poverty Rate by 10 points, from 53 per cent to 63 per cent in low and middle income countries, like Nigeria.

Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, who briefed newsmen, yesterday, said: “Positivity in the state for inbound travellers is on the rise (8% this week, 4% cumulative) as Nigerians in Diaspora return to spend Christmas in Lagos.

It has come to our attention that a number of people are patronizing individuals that sell fake COVID-19 results.  We are currently putting in processes to identify both buyers and sellers and we will not hesitate to prosecute either to the full extent of the law.”

Frowning on non-compliance on the part of inbound travellers, he said a significant number of the people who registered on the Lagos State COVID-19 portal for post-arrival test have been tested while there are a number of people who paid for the test, but did not show up for testing.

Efforts are being made through our logistics arm to reach this group of people. These attempts have been met with challenges as several people used fake contact information while registering on the testing portal.”

Stating that for the sake and safety of the general public, such people should come for testing immediately, he threatened to submit their details to the Presidential Task Force for deactivation of their passports.