Osun State Government on Wednesday, 20 January, 2021 announced a daily dusk-to-dawn curfew from 10:00 pm till 5:00 am and banned until further notice vigils and crusades.
The directives were contained in a new set of guidelines to enforce non-pharmaceutical safety protocols against coronavirus signed by the Secretary to State Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji.
The government explained that spike in the number of people who have tested positive for Covid-19 in the state had made it necessary for the introduction of measures to protect the residents.
In the new guidelines, the government also banned social events unless with approval from the state, adding that even with the approval, no gathering should have more than 50 participants.
The guidelines further read in parts, “No religious gatherings should exceed two hours per time of gathering. Vigils and crusades are banned till further notice. Religious organisations should operate at only 30 per cent capacity of their space.
“Parents and guardians should continue to ensure their children and wards comply with the safety protocols against Covid-19, especially the use of nose mask/face shield and regular washing of their hands. Children must also be cautioned against unsafe practices such as shaking hands, hugging, sharing of materials and personal effects, visiting crowded spaces, etc.
“No motorcycle can carry more than two people, including the rider. No mini-bus (korope) can carry more than five people, including the driver.
“Only civil servants from Level 12 and above are expected to report physically at their offices. Officers below Level 12 are expected to work from home with effect from Monday, January 25th, till further notice. Teachers, health workers, and other workers on essential services, irrespective of Grade, are exempted. “No face mask, no entry” policy must be enforced in all government offices.
“Eateries, restaurants, joints, and bars should operate at 50 per cent capacity and ensure adequate physical distancing of customers. Every vendor or seller must ensure that he/she uses a face mask at all times. Malls, stores, and supermarkets must also enforce the use of face masks, and also organise customers in ways that allow social distancing.
“There will be a dusk to dawn curfew every day from 10:00 pm till 5:00 am. Enforcement teams have been set up in every Local Government and Area Office across the State, to ensure strict enforcement of the protocols.”
Source: Punch
