Written by Osagie Otabor, Akure
The Ondo state government on Wednesday canceled the celebration of the crucifixion over vigils in churches in the state.
He said it was part of the need to take proactive action against the second wave of COVID-19.
Chairman of the Ondo State Interministerial Committee for Coronavirus and Deputy Chancellor of the Ondo University of Medical Sciences prof. Adesegun Fatusi said the state was working diligently to record any significant cases during the second wave of the pandemic, even though it begged people to pay due attention and adhere to the precautions established to protect them.
Speaking at a press briefing in Akure, prof. Fatusi said that no church service organized on the occasion of the New Year celebration should exceed 22 hours until further notice, in accordance with the federal government’s directive on curfew.
Professor Fatusi said the government and business offices would remain open, but with strict adherence to COVID-19 precautions, adding that markets would continue to operate, but with increased enforcement of COVID-19 precautions.
Fatusi warned nightclubs and places to relax not to work after 10pm and advised anyone over the age of 60 or with existing ailments to stay closed and separate from joining any social gathering.
He said that the state will start strictly implementing the law that leads against the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases in the state from January 2021.
Fatusi said the law provided for a prison sentence of three months or the payment of twenty thousand fines or both for offenders.
Acting Commissioner for Health and Special Adviser to the Governor for Health, Your Honors. Jibayo Adeyeye, appealed to the media to cooperate with the government in an effort to reduce the spread of coronavirus in the country.