Category: Covid-19

The Lagos State Government, has warned residents of the state to comply with all restriction measures imposed by the authorities to curb the spread of coronavirus amid the second wave of the pandemic .

It said Lagosians who violate the 12 am to 4 am curfew imposed by the Federal Government and other protocols would be fined up to N500 , 000 when caught .

The government stressed that all churches in the state must respect the curfew in place and avoid physical crossover services and large gatherings on December 31 , 2020 .

Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy , Mr Gbenga Omotoso, stated this in an interview with newsmen .

He said , “ If you flout any of these rules, you can be fined . You will be taken to court and the magistrate will decide on the sanction . The fine can be between N 20 , 000 and N 500 , 000 . It depends on the magistrate’ s discretion .

“ But it is not just about punishing people. People are being advised to take responsibility . The regulations were rolled out as an advisory and people have been obeying while people who have disobeyed have faced the consequences . ”

The commissioner, however , expressed optimism that religious leaders in the state would comply with the directive of the government on the crossover services.

Omotoso said , “ With what we have been seeing, I don ’ t think churches will flout the protocols. CAN ( Christian Association of Nigeria ) is in agreement with the government . Covid cases are going up and everybody is worried .

Some of the giant churches have also announced that they won ’ t be holding physical crossover services .

“ The Lagos State Government has also told them that there is a curfew by midnight to 4 am imposed by the Federal Government. Many of the churches have been adjusting their programmes . Churches are well -organised and we believe they will comply . ”

Punch

The Oyo State Government has lifted the 12 am to 4 am curfew earlier imposed on states by the Federal Government.

A statement from Governor Seyi Makinde’ s Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Taiwo Adisa , also noted that the state government had permitted cross – over services in the state .

The statement read , “ Following a review of the pronouncement of the Technical Team of the Task Force on COVID- 19 in Oyo State on 29 th December 2020 , His Excellency , the Executive Governor , Engr . Seyi Makinde, FNSE, has magnanimously directed that the 12 midnight to 4 a . m . curfew be lifted .

“ The governor has also warned citizens and residents of Oyo State to ensure strict compliance with the guidelines, protocols and advisories as laid down by the OYO State COVID- 19 Task Force aimed at limiting the transmission of the disease in our communities .

“ Secondly, he has directed that enforcement of these guidelines and protocols in accordance with the law will be applied as appropriate , enjoining individuals and organizations to comply and by so doing ensure that we all spread the joy of this season and not the virus . ”

Punch

Oyo State Government has called on the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria to ask churches in the state to end their cross – over services before 12 midnight on New Year eve to enable worshipers to comply with the existing 12 midnight to 4 am curfew imposed by the Federal Government.

The Coordinator of the Oyo State Task Force on COVID- 19 , Prof . Temitope Alonge , said this in Ibadan while briefing journalists on the latest developments on COVID- 19 .

He urged the Oyo State chapter of CAN to emulate their counterpart in Lagos State which had directed their members to end their cross – over services latest by 11 pm on Thursday .

He said street carnivals were banned in order to curb the spread of the virus while appealing to residents to obey COVID – 19 protocols.

Alonge said , “ I know that the Christian Association of Nigeria 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.

“ It is the responsibility of the individuals , families and corporate organisations 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 . ”

Punch

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has said that the nation’ s health system is struggling to cope with the increasing number of coronavirus infections daily .

The centre warned that the nation would pay in January for disregarding the health protocols.

Speaking at the briefing of the Presidential Task Force on COVID- 19 , the Director – General , NCDC , Dr Chikwe Iheakwazu said , “ We just faced the worst week since we started responding to this outbreak . We had more cases in Nigeria last week than in any other previous week since the beginning of the outbreak .

“ Pictures and videos from across the country paint a very disheartening situation because it appears that our messages , our appeals to Nigerians over the last few months have not been heeded and we have gone ahead with business as usual .

“ Events centres are full , social activities are full and so it is no surprises that cases are rising .

“ January will be a tough month , no doubt about it. So , we have to brace ourselves for the consequences of the activities that we have decided to carry out in December . ”

Punch

Osun State Government has rescinded its earlier decision banning churches from holding cross – over services.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs Funke Egbemode.

In the statement titled, ‘ Covid – 19 : Osun gives fresh directives on Crossover Service ’ , the commissioner said the government ’ s sensitivity to the mood of the season has necessitated a review of its earlier position.

Egbemode said , “ The Government of the State of Osun has decided to allow cross over religious gatherings , But any organisation holding cross over service must note that they are expected to close the service early and everyone must be off the streets by 1 : 00 am .

“ Security operatives have been given the directive to enforce this guideline . Religious bodies and citizens are therefore advised to comply because we do not want anyone to spend the first day of the year in police custody.

“ Also , the leadership of religious bodies must ensure strict adherence to safety protocols , which include accommodating only 50 percent capacity of their normal attendance , ensuring social distancing , use of nose mask or face fields by participants , avoidance of sharing materials and instruments and avoidance of any other action that can help the virus to spread. ”

Punch

The Federal Government on Tuesday clarified that it has not declared a fresh lockdown of the country following confirmation of the second wave of COVID- 19 .

The Minister of Information and Culture , Alhaji Lai Mohammed gave this clarification when he featured on a Radio Nigeria programme, “ Politics Nationwide ’’ .

“ The Federal Government has not declared a fresh lockdown .

“ What we have done is that we have simply reiterated the old protocols and asked federal workers on Level 12 and below to stay at home and they will still receive their salaries .

“ Lagos state has equally asked their level 14 workers and below to work from home and Kaduna state has done the same.

“ Therefore , there is no fresh lockdown and the issue of hardship and economy meltdown does not arise , ’’ he said .

As part of measures to curb the spread of COVID- 19 , the Osun government has announced a ban on youth carnival as well as New Year rallies and ceremonies in the state .

The government 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 State Government, Mr Wole Oyebamiji , in Osogbo , said that the decision was taken at the state Executive Council meeting .

“ 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 .

Punch

The President , Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd . ) , will today , meet with members of the Presidential Task Force on COVID- 19 , the Presidency has said .

“@MBuhari will meet with the Presidential Task Force on Covid – 19 this afternoon , ” @ NGRPresident tweeted.

The meeting, which will hold at the Aso Villa in Abuja , comes at a time when Nigeria is battling the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic .

Punch

The Federal Government has yet to take a decision on the possible restriction of international travels due to the spread of the coronavirus .

The chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID- 19 , Boss Mustapha , disclosed this at a press briefing of the task force in Abuja.

He said , “ A lot of discussions is still going on around the calls for the restriction of international travels due to the discovery of new strains of the virus in certain countries .

“ The PTF, Aviation and health authorities including the WHO , are assessing the situation closely and would take a position as soon as a cogent scientific basis are established .