Oyo Will Not Lift Ban On Religious Gatherings For Now Despite Pressures – Makinde

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has said the state has no plans to relax ban on religious gatherings for now despite pressures from religious leaders.

Speaking on Monday, Makinde said the decision was based on expert advice which indicated that transmission of coronavirus occurs more easily in enclosed spaces.

“Regarding our directives on social distancing during this pandemic, we have received requests from religious leaders about relaxing the ban on gatherings to allow religious services hold.

“We are currently in an accelerated phase in the transmission of COVID-19 in Oyo State and the expert advice is that transmission occurs more easily in enclosed spaces. So, we cannot at this time relax this directive.

“However, the experts are carrying out a risk situation analysis and will be sending in their report before the end of May and this will determine our next steps.

“Therefore, we will be meeting with religious leaders before the end of this week to see how and when reopening of religious places will be possible” he said.