Ekiti Reopens Churches, Mosques July 17

-Schools Get July 20 Resumption Date

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has said mosques and churches in the state will be allowed to reopen starting from Friday July 17 and July 19 respectively subject to the laid down protocols on COVID-19.

The governor, who announced this in a state broadcast, also said pupils in Primary 6; JSS3 and SSS3 would be allowed to resume on July 20 to prepare for their terminal examinations.

The governor directed that the schools should be fumigated ahead of the resumption date, adding that his administration would leave no stone unturned in its efforts to stop coronavirus in the state.

He said the resumption was based on the recommendations of stakeholders in the education sector and the agreements reached with religious leaders in the state.

The governor however warned that the decision would be reversed if the state government found out that the protocols were not followed strictly.

Fayemi also announced that the state government had taken a N2.5 billion Life Insurance cover of N2 million each for 500 frontline medical personnel involved in COVID-19 assignment in addition to the prompt payment of COVID-19 special allowances to qualified cadres.

He said, ” Subject to the fulfilment of some laid down protocols, worship centres in Ekiti State may resume for services as from Friday, July 17th. This is in line with the agreement reached by the state government with leaders of religious organisations in the state.

“Arrangements are in top gear to ensure that pupils and students return to school from July 20 as recommended by stakeholders in the education sector.

“The two largest markets in Ado Ekiti, the Oja Oba and Bisi Market will now be open to lock-up shops only subject to compliance with protocols stressing that street trading, makeshift stalls kiosks and open display of wares in the said markets remain banned.

“Ban on large gatherings of more than 20 persons except on approved worship days continues. Social, political or business gatherings like parties, burials, meetings, bars, viewing centres, sports meets must not exceed 20 persons and must be in line with COVID-19 protocols.

“Free unhindered movements will continue Monday to Friday from 6.00am to 8.00pm while dusk-to-dawn curfew will be enforced 8.00pm to 5.59am seven days a week.

“There shall be a restriction of movement at weekends (Saturday and Sunday) until July 19, subject to the conditional relaxation of church attendance on Saturdays and Sundays.”

Fayemi , who said the state was worried by the refusal of residents to wear face masks, stressed that security agents would henceforth arrest those who refused to comply with this directive in order to stop community transmission of the virus.