Oyo Government Reopens Schools, Worship Centres

Oyo state Government has announced the resumption of schools for students in primary 6, Junior Secondary School 3 and Senior Secondary School 3 with effect from Monday, June 29.

Also all categories of state workers were directed to resume work from June 22, while churches and mosques are to open and to operate at 25 percent capacity.

The decision was the outcome of a meeting of the state COVID-19 Task Force headed by the Chairman , Governor Seyi Makinde on Monday.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Taiwo Adisa, the school resumption is to allow the students prepare for public examinations.

“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.

“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” the statement said.

“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 worshippers are to compulsorily wear face masks.

“Night clubs are to remain shut even though the existing curfew, which used to run from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. is being aligned with that of the Federal Government, which runs from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

“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 added.

Tertiary institutions in the state were exempted from reopening. Adisa said the state will review their readiness in coming weeks and make a decision.