Ogun And Ondo States Renew Restrictions; Suspend Carnivals, Cross Over Services.
On Wednesday, 23rd of December, the Ondo State Government said it has canceled the cross-over services in churches across the state, which will take place between December 31st and January 1st, 2020 and 2021 respectively.
The government also postponed the resumption of students in primary and secondary schools from Monday, 4th of January, 2021, to 18th of January, 2021.
The Ondo state chairman, Inter-Ministerial Committee on COVID-19, Professor Adesegun Fatusi said this in Akure, Ondo state capital.
According to him, the committee had a large interaction with a lot of stakeholders on the need to take proactive measures against the second wave of Covid-19.
“No church service organised in respect of the New Year celebration must exceed 10pm in line with the Federal Government directive on curfew.
“The government and business offices shall continue to open, with strict compliance of COVID-19 precautionary measures; no primary or secondary school in the state shall resume until 18th of January, 2021, markets shall continue operations but with heightened enforcement of COVID-19 precautionary measures.
Night clubs and relaxation spots must not operate beyond 10pm; picnics can operate but in open space and adherence to COVID-19 protocols; while anybody above 60 years of age or with existing ailment(s) are strongly advised to remain indoors,” Fatusi stated.
He further mentioned that the government would ensure strict compliance to the laid down rules and protocols.
At the same time, the Ogun state government on Wednesday also announced the suspension of of street carnivals, and restricted attendance to cross-over services, parties and gatherings.
The state Governor, Dapo Abiodun, also directed all civil servants and other government protocols to go ahead to observe their Christmas and New Year Holiday from Thursday, December 24th, 2020 to January 4th, 2021.
This was stated in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Kunle Somorin.
These directives were issued on Wednesday, 23rd of December, in a meeting between the state government and religious leaders, as well as the community leaders.
The statement reads partly, “The governor directed that all schools in the state are to remain closed until January 18, 2021, while all bars, nightclubs, pubs and event centres, recreational centres in the state have also been closed down indefinitely.
“The governor further directed that all markets are to open strictly between 8am and 4pm while maintaining social distancing.
“Governor Abiodun further directed that religious and worship centres should not exceed 50 per cent of their capacity. All services must also be in compliance with all COVID-19 protocols.
“In order to stem the spread of the second wave of the disease, Abiodun advised that there should be no gatherings of more than 50 people at any event or ceremonies, such as conferences, congresses, office events, concerts, seminars, sporting activities, cross-over nights, end of year parties, weddings, naming, birthdays, anniversaries, street carnivals until further notice.”
