COVID-19: Oyo Cancels Cross-Over Services At Worship Centres, Street Carnivals

By Seyifunmi Odunuga

IBADAN – The Oyo State government has finally joined other states to ban cross-over services by worship centres in order to ensure strict compliance with Covid-19 guidelines and protocols in the state.

Also banned by the state government is the organization of the street carnivals.

According to the Coordinator of the Oyo State Task Force on Covid-19, Prof. Temitope Alonge, in a press briefing on Tuesday, December 29, 2020, to update the public on latest development regarding the global pandemic.

Alonge reminded private healthcare providers and un-well individuals in the state to continue to make use of the testing centres available in all the local government areas in the state.

The co-ordinator also enjoined the Oyo State Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to obey the national directive by advising their members to ensure that the cross-over services are shelved as it will be done in Lagos and several other States.

Alonge in his words, “I know that Christian Association of Nigeria in Lagos State after the release from the Lagos State government, had a meeting and directed that churches should be in compliance with the national directive, complete their services early enough to go home.

“We are asking CAN in Oyo State to do the same to admonish and advice as many of their members to comply with the national directive, it is not an Oyo State directive”.

Temitope further advised the general public and corporate organizations not to let down their guards in the fight against Covid-19 pandemic.

“It is the responsibility of individuals, families and corporate organizations to adhere to existing COVID-19 guidelines and protocols such as the use of face masks in public places, physical distancing and regular hand washing,” he posited.

Revealing the data base of coronavirus in the state, Dr. Akindele Adebiyi, who is a Clinical Epidemiologist working with the Oyo State Emergency Operation Centre, disclosed that Oyo State has recorded 3,909 confirmed cases and 50 deaths occasioned by the deadly Covid-19 pandemic.

He identified Ibadan North and Orelope Local Government Areas as hot spots for the pandemic in the state.

He, however, attributed the highest number of cases in the local governments to the level of tests conducted and willingness of the people to submit themselves to be tested.