COVID-19: Oyo relaxes curfew as schools resume June 29

The Oyo state government has asked pupils in primary six, and students in junior and senior secondary schools three to resume on June 29.

In a statement on Monday, Taiwo Adisa, chief press secretary to the governor, said the decision was reached after a meeting of the state’s COVID-19 task force presided over by Seyi Makinde, the governor.

He added that the curfew in the state has been relaxed, and will now run from 10pm to 4am.

Adisa said other decisions reached include the resumption of all government workers in the state.

“The schools are to observe the COVID-19 protocols as released by the task force, ensure that stations for washing of hands are provided in all schools, while all students are to compulsorily wear face masks,” he said.

“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 have also been allowed to reopen and ensure the compulsory use of face masks.

Worship centres are expected to “operate at not more than 25 percent capacity”, and the situation will be reviewed within the first two weeks.

Night clubs, however, are to remain shut in the state.

“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,” he added.

Oyo has recorded a total of 507 confirmed cases of COVID-19 so far.