COVID-19: Ondo govt cancels cross over service, shifts schools resumption

Following the second wave of the COVID-19 in the country, the Ondo State government on Wednesday directed all religious centres in the state to cancel the yearly cross over services, just as it directed all schools to remain closed till January 18, 2021.

The Chairman, Ondo state Interministerial Committee on coronavirus and Vice-Chancellor, University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Prof. Adesegun Fatusi, who gave this directive said it became necessary to guide against the spread of the virus, especially during the yuletide season.

Fatusi said any church service organised in respect of the new year celebration must not exceed 10 p.m while the worshippers must not exceed 50.

He said this is in line with federal government directive on curfew, saying government and business offices shall continue to open, with strict compliance of COVID-19 precautionary measures.

According to him, the decision to move the resumption date is based on advice from the state Ministry of Education as part of measures to control the spread of the virus.

He disclosed that the Committee has had extensive interaction with various stakeholders, physically and virtually, on the need to take proactive measures against the second wave of COVID-19.

He said “the federal government has stipulated that schools should be closed till January 18. The inter-ministerial committee decided that events, as regards the pandemic, should be watched. So, we want to observe and ensure that there is no active transmission within our system.

“Primary and secondary schools will not be resuming on January 4th as earlier scheduled but they will be resuming by the 18th of January. That’s the decision regarding the schools.”

Speaking on the issue of religious services, he said “there is a national curfew in place, and the state is bound by the principles of that curfew.

“Therefore, churches and mosques are not permitted in line with that curfew to hold any service beyond 10:00 pm.

“Vigils are still strictly forbidden on any day until further notice. Churches and other religious services must operate at 50% capacity and adhere to all measures that we have put in place for prevention.

“The same goes for event centres, they must comply with these principles. Our people must celebrate responsibly and celebrate safely.”

He said the state is working assiduously to ensure it records no substantial case during the second wave of the pandemic and appealed to the residents of the state to pay due attention and observance to the precautionary measures put in place to safeguard them.

He said “markets shall continue operations but with heightened enforcement of COVID-19 precautionary measures; night clubs and relaxation spots must not operate beyond 10 p.m.

“Picnics can operate but in open space and adherence to COVID-19 protocols; while anybody above 60 years of age or with existing ailments are strongly advised to remain indoor and disengage from joining any social gathering.”

He said the government will begin to carry out strict monitoring of all these guidelines and will continue to interact with religious leaders, markets associations, media, unions and other critical stakeholders in the fight against the pandemic.

Fatusi also disclosed that the State will begin strict enforcement of the law that guides against the spread of COVID-19 from January 1, 2021, saying that the law provides for three months imprisonment or payment of N20,000 as fine or both for offenders.

Meanwhile, the authorities of the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure (FECA) has directed all its staff on Contediss 11 and below and their equivalent to work from home.

This directive was contained in a statement issued and signed by the Registrar of the institution, Dr Pius Ade Adebisi, who said the directive takes immediate effect.

Adebisi stated in the statement that, “In line with the Federal Government directive, I write to inform all staff on Contediss 11 and below and also their equivalent, to please stay at home for the performance of their duties.

“This directive takes immediate effect and will be enforced for 5 weeks in the first instance, please.

“However, staff whose services and physical presence will be inevitably or essentially needed, will be contacted or selected by their HOD/HOS soonest. Kindly stay safe.”

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