Covid-19: Oyo urges vigilance in tertiary institutions, religious centres, workplaces

• as Task Force discovers COVID-19 case in college

The Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force has directed the management of schools, workplaces and religious centres to ensure strict compliance with established protocols aimed at curtailing the coronavirus pandemic.

The Task Force, in a statement on Saturday, declared its readiness to shut down any institution, religious centre or workplace that violates the rules on the use of closed space settings, whether at schools, religious or social settings, adding that the general public is equally advised to remain vigilant.

A statement on behalf of the Task Force signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the advice became necessary following the discovery of a COVID-19 case in a tertiary institution in the state.

It added that the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) of the Task Force had immediately ordered a lock-in of the affected tertiary institution to keep staff, students and the general public safe.

The EOC has also kick-started contact tracing, while subjecting every possible contact to necessary surveillance, the statement added.

“The government of Oyo State wishes to draw the attention of the general public to the recent resurgence of cases of coronavirus in the State.

“Many of these cases were discovered in closed space settings such as offices and other workplaces.

“A reported case within a tertiary educational institution had also resulted in more cases being discovered through contact tracing.

“The state government has taken appropriate steps to lock in the institution to prevent further spread and put in place other preventive measures.

“Contact tracing has been intensified and the Emergency Operations Centre is working with the institution concerned to ensure that all students and staff of the institution are safe and well,” the statement read.

It added that there is no need to panic, as according to the statement, all necessary protocols needed for effective management and psychosocial support have been instituted.

The statement added that “the Oyo State, as a responsive  and responsible Government, wishes to  admonish all residents to ensure due compliance with the directives and all COVID-19 prevention protocols as earlier stipulated, to enable a successful limitation of  virus transmission.

“The Task Force essentially wishes to implore considerable restraint at closed gatherings and environments especially in closed educational, religious and social environments.

“It is important to note that these measures are not in any way punitive but are essentially aimed at protecting the lives of all and sundry from the menace of the virus as well as prevent the spread of the virus within our communities,” the Task Force said.

The statement further read: “All hygienic practices associated with the preventive protocols are to be properly adhered to, while the utilization of safety devices as well as social distancing should also be upheld.