The Oyo State Government on Tuesday restricted churches from holding their crossover services across the state in adherence to existing 12am to 4am curfew imposed by the Federal Government.
Details of the restriction showed that churches should hold their services earlier as the government is poised to enforce the curfew imposed by the Federal Government.
This is as the government announced a ban on the organisation of the street carnivals in its effort at curtailing the spread of COVID-19 which has claimed not less than 50 lives in the state.
The Coordinator of the Oyo State Task Force on COVID-19, Prof. Temitope Alonge, gave the hint during a press briefing on Tuesday to update the public on the latest development regarding the global pandemic in the state.
He reminded the private health care providers and un-well individuals in the state to continue to make use of the testing centres available in all local government areas in the state.
Prof. Alonge enjoined the Oyo CAN to obey the national directive by advising their members to ensure that the passing over services are shelved as it was done in Lagos State.
Prof Alonge said, “I know that the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Lagos State after the release from the Lagos State government, had a meeting and directed that churches should 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, admonish and advice as many of their members to comply with the national directive.
“It is not an Oyo State directive and we believe that was in the general good of everybody.”
Alonge further advised the general public and corporate organizations not to let down their guard in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is the responsibility of the 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.
Revealing the database of coronavirus in the state, Dr Akindele Adebiyi, who is a Clinical Epidemiologist working with Oyo State Emergency Operation Center, said 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 Oyo State.
He, however, attributed the highest number of cases in the local governments to the level of test conducted and willingness of the people to submit themselves to observe the test.
Dr Adebiyi explained that people have to be more vigilant and adhere strictly to the protocols and guidelines established by the NCDC, pointing out that the trend of the virus has shifted.
