The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday approved the suspension of the 12am to 4 am curfew earlier imposed by the Federal Government, saying that officials of the state’s Task Force on COVID-19 will ensure strict compliance with the guidelines during the festivity period.
Governor Makinde said that against earlier directives, religious centres would be allowed to hold crossover worship services in compliance with the COVID-19 protocols.
It will be recalled that the technical team of the COVID-19 Task Force had indicated that it had ruled out the crossover services in view of the 12 am to 4 am curfew imposed on the states by the Federal Government.
The governor, however, warned that worship centres should adhere to the advisories and guidelines put in place to prevent the spread of the virus in the state.
Makinde, in a brief endorsed by the chairman of the COVID-19 Task Force Technical Team, Prof. Temitope Alonge, stated that the advisories by the Task Force, including the directive of 50 per cent attendant at worship and event centres, ban of street carnivals etc., remained effective.
The statement read, “Following a review of the pronouncement of the Technical Team of the Task Force on COVID-19 in Oyo State on 29th December 2020, Governor Seyi Makinde, has directed that the 12 midnight to 4 am curfew be lifted.
“The governor has also warned 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 the 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 the COVID-19 protocols.
The task force also advised event centres on admission of guests at 50 per cent capacity, while reiterating its determination to enforce the use of face masks and handing washing requirements.
It urged residents of the state, including those feeling unwell, to access the available testing centres in the state for check up and treatment.
