Lagos Govt. Assures Free COVID-19 Testing For Residents

As part of its measures to boost testing among residents, the Lagos State Government has urged residents in the state to visit all available coronavirus public testing laboratories to ascertain their status for free.

It explained that the gesture was part of the government’s effort to encourage voluntary testing among residents as part of its drive for aggressive testing across the state in ensuring total control is gained against the virus.

The state’s Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, said contrary to insinuations in some quarters that fees were being charged for coronavirus testing, the state has made adequate provision with all public testing facilities to facilitate free testing for residents in the state.

Omotoso, through a statement released to newsmen on Wednesday, enjoined residents to support efforts of the government by showing up for coronavirus tests, an exercise he reiterated remains free of charge for residents.

“The state would like to reassure the general public that testing is still free at all the COVID-19 public testing laboratories for all Lagos residents.

“Residents are enjoined to take advantage of this service if they feel unwell or feel they have had close contact with an infected person,” the statement read.

He said that the government has established sampling centers across the state and has continued to enhance the capacity of the public testing laboratories to examine all those who required testing free of charge.

Part of the government drive for aggressive testing, he said, was the recent approval and launch of a consortium of seven private laboratories in the first phase to conduct coronavirus tests in the state.

“This is part of the testing strategy of the state to increase the accessibility of testing facilities to the organized private and corporate sector who wish to test for various reasons.

“For the avoidance of doubt it is necessary to reiterate to members of the public that testing remains free of charge at all public testing laboratories,” the statement added.

He, however, urged any resident who feels unwell to lodge a complaint through the appropriate channel by calling 08000CORONA.