COVID-19: Ekiti Government To Reopen Worship Centres On July 17, Schools July 20

Ekiti State Governor, Kayode Fayemi has announced that schools in the state would be reopened on July 20, while places of worship July 17, 2020.

The governor, who disclosed this in a statewide broadcast on Tuesday, added that efforts were on to contain community spread of the coronavirus.

Fayemi said the state has taken a N2.5 billion Life Insurance cover of N2m each for 500 frontline medical personnel involved in the COVID-19 assignment as part of efforts to boost their morale.

The governor said the reopening of schools was meant to allow students in graduating classes to resume preparation for examinations.

“However, this might be in phases starting with students in terminal classes SS3, JSS3 and Primary 6 to prepare for their examinations . Other classes will be gradually absorbed as schools meet all requirements to accommodate them safely and responsibly.

“A certificate of Readiness showing that a school has adhered to all the conditions required for school reopening will be issued to all schools before they can reopen”.

Fayemi added the government apart from setting the general standard for both the private and public schools to reopen, is embarking on a quick rejuvenation of our schools to ensure that basic facilities such as water, sanitizer, soap and other facilities to aid hygienic practices are in place.

He said he had also directed that all the schools should be fumigated and kept safe for our students before reopening. Our school reopening plans are without prejudice to the ongoing engagement at the national level.

On the religious centres across the state, Fayemi stated as jointly agreed with the leadership of the faith community, religious worship centres may resume controlled services from Friday July 17, 2020 starting with worship services once a week; Friday Jumat for Muslims and Saturday and Sunday Services for Christians.

“This is however subject to strict and full compliance with the regulations regarding worship centres which includes social distancing of 6-feet between worshippers, hand washing and face masks.

“Maximum capacity of each building should be determined with the six feet social distancing principle and the number must be conspicuously displayed outside the building.

“A Taskforce will go round to assess the level of compliance and issue a Certificate of Readiness before centres can reopen. Any worship centre that violates the laid down protocols will be shut down and the cleric prosecuted,” he said.

According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Ekiti state currently has 43 cases of coronavirus that had infected 25,694 people across the country.