COVID-19; Ogun shuts schools, worship centres

Due to the global spread of the coronavirus and the recent ban of all high-density gatherings in Ogun state, the state government on Thursday, said the ban on high-density gatherings affects all public and private schools as well as all religious activities in the state.

The government has therefore shut all schools in the state indefinitely, beginning from March, 20.

A statement issued and signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, Kunle Somorin added that all religious centres and activities including regular and special services that bring together 50 or more persons in the same place are banned with immediate effect.

“These measures will be reviewed at regular intervals in response to the development surrounding the coronavirus disease.

“The government therefore, enjoins all parents and guardians who have their children and wards in any boarding facility within the state to immediately evacuate them and return them to their respective homes at the close of school on March 20.

“Governor Dapo Abiodun thankfully acknowledges and appreciates religious leaders for their advice, understanding, solidarity and support as we jointly search for solutions to the pandemic and for their cooperation to observe all safety measures in the overall interest of our state and common humanity.

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“Government emphasises the need to observe global best practices of social distancing as way of curtailing the spread of the pandemic and recommends that as much as possible, people should minimize contact with others and maintain a distance of at least five feet between one another in public places or in public transportation.

“In addition, non-essential travels should be limited whilst also avoiding high-density gatherings.

“Governor Abiodun pleads for the understanding of parents, school owners and the entire citizenry to comply fully with all laid down measures and for them to offer useful information for the state to respond appropriately to the COVID-19 challenge.

“The governor further encourages people to maintain a high level of personal hygiene and surveillance,” the statement stated.

Somorin added that all suspected cases of the coronavirus should be reported at the nearest primary healthcare centre in all the 236 wards in the state or the emergency operations centre on COVID-19 through the following telephone numbers, 08188978393 or 08188978392