Following the third phase of COVID-19 lockdown relaxation by the Federal Government, the Ekiti State Government said it is set to resume activities, including the reopening of schools and worship centres.

Governor Kayode Fayemi, on Tuesday, June 30, announced that worship centres may resume holding services from Friday, July 17, while students can return to their learning centres from Monday, July 20.

President Muhammadu Buhari lifted the ban on interstate restriction on movement and also directed students in graduating classes to resume in their schools to write their examinations.

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Fayemi said, “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 that the Government, apart from setting the general standard for both the private and public schools to reopen, has embarked on a quick rejuvenation of schools to ensure that basic facilities such as water, sanitiser, soap and other facilities to aid hygienic practices are in place.

The Governor also directed that all the schools should be fumigated and kept safe for the students before reopening.

Fayemi emphasized that religious worship centres might resume controlled services from Friday, July 17, 2020, once a week.

“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 & Saturday and Sunday Services for Christians.

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“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." 

The Governor warned that any worship centre that violates the laid down protocols will be shut down and the cleric will be prosecuted.

The Governor added that the two largest markets in Ado Ekiti – Oja Oba and Bisi Market, will only be opened to lock-up shops now. 

He reiterated that street trading, makeshift stalls, kiosks and open display of wares in the market are totally prohibited. 

“Traders who do not have permanent shops in these markets are advised to move to Awedele Market where more stalls have been prepared for use.”

He hereby stated that the use of facemasks in public places has been enforced, adding that he has directed security agencies and the Ministry of Justice to arrest and prosecute any person caught in public places without wearing the face masks appropriately, covering the nose, mouth, and chin.

According to the NCDC, on June 30, Ekiti State has recorded 43 cases of COVID-19, made 29 discharges and 2 deaths.