Crossover Service: Oyo urges strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols

The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has approved the suspension of the 12am to 4am (local time) curfew earlier imposed on States by the Nigerian Government.

Governor Makinde said officials of the State’s Task Force on Covid-19 would ensure strict compliance with the guidelines and advisories during the Yuletide and after.

The Governor has, therefore, directed that religious centres be allowed to hold crossover worship services, only in strict compliance with Covid-19 protocols.

The Technical Team of the State Task Force had stated that it was ruling out the crossover services in view of the 12am to 4am curfew imposed by the Nigerian Government.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Taiwo Adisa, however, warned that worship centres must adhere strictly to the advisories and guidelines put in place to prevent the spread of the virus in the State.

Adisa indicated that the Governor gave the directives in a brief, endorsed by the Chairman of the Technical Team of the COVID-19 Task Force, Prof. Temitope Alonge, which reviewed the earlier pronouncement of the Technical Team and lifted the curfew.

He stated that other advisories earlier released by the Task Force, including the directive of 50 percent occupancy for  worship and event centres, ban of street carnivals and others, remain in effect.

The statement reads in part: “Following a review of the pronouncement of the Technical Team of the Task Force on Covid-19 in Oyo State on 29th December, 2020, His Excellency, the Executive Governor, Seyi Makinde, FNSE, has magnanimously directed that the 12 midnight to 4 a.m. curfew be lifted.” 

“The Governor has also warned citizens and residents of Oyo State to ensure strict compliance with the guidelines, protocols and advisories as laid down by the Oyo State Covid-19 Task Force aimed at limiting the transmission of the disease in our communities.

“Secondly, he has directed that enforcement of these guidelines and protocols, in accordance with the law, will be applied as appropriate, enjoining individuals and organisations to comply, and by so doing, ensure that we all spread the joy of this season and not the virus.”

The Oyo State Task Force on Covid-19 had, in a communique released on Tuesday, warned individuals, families and corporate organisations in the State to adhere to protocols such as the use of face masks in public places, social distancing and regular washing of hands.

The Task Force had equally reminded event centres on the existing advisory of 50 percent capacity occupancy for events, while also enforcing the proper use of face masks and hand washing requirements.

It admonished residents of the State, including private healthcare providers and individuals feeling unwell, to access the available testing centres across the 33 Local Government areas of the State.

Mercy Chukwudiebere