COVID-19: Schools, religious gatherings reopen in Oyo

The Oyo State Task Force on COVID-19, declared on Monday that it has relaxed the curfew enforced on the state following the occurence of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Task Force, made the declaration after a two-and-a-half-hour meeting led by its chairman, Governor Seyi Makinde.

The Taskforce also stated that the curfew would now be from 10pm to 4am.

Onyxnews Nigeria reports that a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, also confirmed the resumption of classes for Primary Six, JSS3 and SS3 students from Monday, June 29; resumption of work by all category of workers at the state secretariat from June 22; opening up of mosques and churches, which are to operate at 25 per cent capacity; and the decision to limit public gathering to not more than 25 persons.

The statement pointed out that the state secretariat, which was earlier shut on March 27 due to COVID-19, and later reopened to staff on grade level 13 and above from Monday April 27, would now be open to all other staff from Monday, June 22.

It is said in the statement that students in critical classes are to resume at the end of June to ensure they are well-prepared for the public examinations ahead of them.

The statement read: “The schools are to observe the COVID-19 protocols as released by the Task Force, ensure that stations for washing of hands are provided in all schools, while all students are to compulsorily wear face masks.

“Schools are to provide hand wash points with the support of their Parents/Teachers Associations (PTA).

“The resumption of critical classes at the end of June 2020, would be two clear weeks ahead of the state’s drop-dead date of July 15. By that date, it would be decided whether other categories of students will return to the classes.”

“Mosques and Churches are to reopen and operate at not more than 25 per cent capacity. The situation will be reviewed within the first two weeks. All worshippers are to compulsorily wear face masks.

“Night clubs are to remain shut even though the existing curfew, which used to run from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. is being aligned with that of the Federal Government, which runs from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

“The Task Force will not mind shutting down everywhere if evidence emerges that the COVID-19 safety protocols are being violated, or should there be an explosion in the number of cases; however, the state government will intensify enlightenment campaigns to ensure the safety of our people.”

The statement also stated that the resumption order will not affect the tertiary institutions for now, as the Task Force would review their situation and determine their state of readiness.