COVID-19: Osun declares curfew, sets new guidelines amid second wave
Abimbola Abatta, Osogbo
Following the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in Osun State, the state government has declared a dusk to dawn curfew which will be enforced every day from 10:00 pm till 5:00 am.
This is just as the government released fresh set of guidelines to enforce “non-pharmaceutical safety protocols aimed at protecting its people against the virus.”
The government also disclosed that the State will increase its testing capacity across all local government areas and making it free to all citizens.
The above was contained in a statement signed and made available to journalists on Wednesday, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji.
The statement reads in part, “No social events can hold forthwith without the approval from the government.
“No social gathering (having obtained approval) can have more than 50 participants. All applications for social events must show commitment that the organisers will strictly adherence to the new guidelines.”
It was noted that religious organisations should operate at only 30 percent capacity and must not exceed two hours per time of gathering, adding that vigils and crusades are banned till further notice.
The government also enjoined parents and guardians to ensure their children and wards comply with the safety protocols, adding, “Children must also be cautioned against unsafe practices such as shaking hands, hugging, sharing of materials and personal effects, visiting crowded spaces, etc.”
As written in the statement, “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 from item 5(a) above.
“Eateries, restaurants, joints and bars should operate at 50 percent capacity. ‘No face mask, no entry’ policy must be enforced.
“Hotels must ensure that they follow all safety protocols, and must especially ensure that there are hand sanitisers in every room. Malls, stores and supermarkets must also enforce the use of face masks, and also organise customers in ways that allow social distancing.”
Maintaining that the government is not shutting down any business but only trying to keep everyone safe, the SSG revealed that enforcement teams have been set up in every local government and area office across the State, to ensure strict enforcement of the protocols.
He noted that “any hotel, event centre, mall, joint or business that is found flouting the safety directives will be sealed, and will only be reopened upon the payment of a fine of N 250,000.”
He further revealed that “churches and mosques found flouting the safety directives will he sealed, and will only be reopened upon the payment of a fine of N 50,000.”
The SSG enjoined citizens and residents to cooperate with the government by taking personal responsibility for their physical safety and economic wellbeing.
