Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Wednesday approved the suspension of the 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. curfew earlier imposed on states by the Federal Government, saying that officials of the State’s Task Force on Covid-19 will 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 Task Force on COVID-19 had earlier stated that it was ruling out the crossover services in view of the 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. curfew imposed by the Federal 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.
The chairman of the Technical Team of the COVID-19 Task Force, Prof. Temitope Alonge, had reviewed the earlier pronouncement of the Technical Team and lifted the curfew.
The statement added that other advisories earlier released by the Task Force, including the directive of 50 per cent occupancy for worship and event centres, ban of street carnivals and others, remain in effect.
The statement reads : “Following a review of the pronouncement of the Technical Team of the Task Force on COVID-19 in Oyo State on 29th December 2020, the governor has 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, earlier 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.
