Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde today relaxed the curfew imposed on the state due to the outbreak of Covid-19, ordering primary and secondary schools to reopen for students considered to be in critical classes.
A statement issued by his spokesperson, Taiwo Adisa, affirmed that the curfew would now run in the state between 10pm and 4am stating that the decision to reopen schools was reached at a meeting of the State COVID-19 Task Force presided over by Governor Makinde.
The statement further affirmed that the taskforce unanimously agreed that students in primary six, JSS 3 and SS 3 are to resume back to school on Monday June 29, 2020.
Other decisions reached include the resumption of work by state workers and opening of worship centres for Christians and Muslims scheduled for June 22, adding that worship centre could only operate at 25 per cent capacity, while public gathering is limited to 25 persons.
The statement also instructed the schools to observe the COVID-19 protocols as released by the Task Force, stressing that points at which students are expected to frequently wash their hands must be provided and wearing of face masks for students is compulsory.
According to the statement, “Schools are to provide hand wash points with the support of their Parents/Teachers Associations (PTA). The resumption of critical classes at the end of June 2020, would be two clear weeks ahead of the state’s drop-dead date of July 15. By that date, it would be decided whether other categories of students will return to the classes”.
“Mosques and Churches are to reopen and operate at not more than 25 per cent capacity. The situation will be reviewed within the first two weeks. All worshipers are to compulsorily wear face masks. Night clubs are to remain shut even though the existing curfew, which used to run from 8pm to 5am is being aligned with that of the Federal Government, which runs from 10pm to 4am. The Task Force will not mind shutting down everywhere if evidence emerges that the COVID-19 safety protocols are being violated, or should there be an explosion in the number of cases; however, the state government will intensify enlightenment campaigns to ensure the safety of our people”, the statement stated.
However, students of the tertiary institutions in the state are exempted from resuming back to class.
