COVID-19: Osun bans youth carnival, New Year rallies

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

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Most people who fall sick with COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate symptoms and recover without special treatment.

The virus that causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or exhales. These droplets are too heavy to hang in the air, and quickly fall on floors or surfaces.

As part of measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, youth carnivals, New Year rallies and ceremonies have been banned in Osun state.

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

A statement issued by the Secretary to State Government, Mr Wole Oyebamiji, on Tuesday in Osogbo, said that the decision was taken at the state Executive Council meeting.

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 weddings, 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.

He said that members of the council had been directed to engage the leadership of various religious groups to sensitise and enlighten their congregants on the need to comply with the COVID-19 guidelines.

Oyebamiji said that the people of the state were encouraged to observe the COVID-19 protocols, such as the use of face masks in public places, washing of hands with soap and water or the use of hand sanitiser and maintaining social distancing.