Oyetola bans youth carnivals, New Year rallies over COVID-19

Gboyega Oyetola Osun

Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola has banned youth carnivals as well as New Year rallies in the state as part of measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.

The governor also directed social clubs, hotels, departmental stores, supermarkets, event centres and allied centres in the state to henceforth operate at half capacities.

A statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government Wole Oyebamiji on Tuesday said the decision was taken at the state executive council meeting.

Mr Oyebamiji said that the council expressed worries over what it described as abysmally low level of compliance of residents of the state with COVID-19 protocols.

He said that the council also appealed to the citizenry to cut down on social gatherings, such as wedding, naming and funeral ceremonies in order to reduce the exposure and contact with possible carriers of coronavirus visiting the state during the yuletide.

Oyebamiji said that religious organisations in the state had also been mandated to reintroduce the abandoned COVID-19 protocols in their respective worship centres.

“The council pleaded with the citizenry to continue to take their health as their personal responsibilities and adhere to the COVID-19 protocols.

“Residents of the state are also encouraged on proper management and disposal of used face masks and other materials to prevent the virus from spreading.

“No face mask, no entry at ministries, department and agencies of government (MDAs) is to be sustained,” the statement said.