Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved the reopening of cinemas in the state.
This is coming six months after shutting them due to the COVID-19 outbreak in Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu, who announced this during a briefing on Saturday, warned that operators of recreation and entertainment centres in the state adhere strictly to 33% of their capacities.
“They must get the necessary certification from the Lagos State Safety Commission,” the Governor added.
Regarding the reopening of other sectors in the state, the governor noted that the government’s decision will be communicated in October.
“Next month (October) we will announce the decisions regarding the reopening of other sectors of the economy – night-clubs, bars, event centers, spas, public parks, and so on. For now, these will continue to remain closed, until fixed plans for reopening are announced in October 2020.”
He reiterated his administration’s resolve to maintain a balance between the safety of lives and the sustenance of livelihoods.
He said: “We will continue to make adjustments as required, but the gradual resumption of social, educational and economic activity must never be taken as an excuse to let down our guard against the pandemic.”
TCN had reported that the Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN) and other key stakeholders in the film industry during a virtual meeting with the Governor on Wednesday, had appealed to him to reopen cinemas in the state.
Cinemas and other recreational centres were forced to shutdown in March as part of efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus.
