Oyo suspends curfew, allows cross-over services

Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, has directed the suspension of the nationwide curfew declared by the presidential task force (PTF) on COVID-19.

The federal government had, in September, declared a nationwide curfew between 12 midnight and 4am as part of efforts to reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Taiwo Adisa, chief press secretary to the Oyo governor, cross-over services will be allowed to hold in the state, but religious centres are expected to ensure strict compliance with COVID-19 protocols.

Adisa explained that following the suspension of the curfew, “officials of the state’s task force on COVID-19 will ensure strict compliance with the guidelines and advisories during the Yuletide and after”.

“Following a review of the pronouncement of the Technical Team of the Task Force on COVID-19 in Oyo State on 29th December 2020, His Excellency, the Executive Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSE, has magnanimously directed that the 12 midnight to 4 a.m. curfew be lifted,” the statement reads.

“The governor has also warned citizens and residents of Oyo State to ensure strict compliance with the guidelines, protocols and advisories as laid down by the Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force aimed at limiting the transmission of the disease in our communities.

“Secondly, he has directed that enforcement of these guidelines and protocols in accordance with the law will be applied as appropriate, enjoining individuals and organisations to comply and by so doing ensure that we all spread the joy of this season and not the virus.”

Nigeria is currently experiencing a second wave of infections, which has presented a significant increase in the number of new cases and deaths — over 10,000 samples were confirmed positive within the past 14 days.

Oyo currently has the fifth highest number of confirmed coronavirus infections in the country, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).