Oyo and Anambra State Governments have relaxed curfews and have asked residents to resume some of the suspended activities.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, directed civil servants from level 13 and above in the State to resume duty on Monday.

Makinde, who doubles as the chairman of the COVID-19 task force in Oyo State made the announcement during a press briefing at the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.

Makinde said only one entrance to the State secretariat would be opened in the meantime.

He, however, said food canteens in the secretariat would remain closed. 

Governor Seyi Makinde also relaxed the dusk-to-dawn curfew in the State from 7 pm to 5am to enable farmers to access their farms during the planting season.

Also, he stated that COVID-19 compliance guidelines would be provided for markets in the State, stressing that “only markets that meet up with the guidelines would be allowed to reopen.”

He said, “The state secretariat will be reopened on Monday. Only civil servants at level 13 and above with separate offices will resume. All meetings will be held online. No visitors are allowed except when absolutely necessary.

“There will be hand washing facilities in strategic locations around the secretariat. Posters and banners will be inconspicuous places around the secretariat.

Similarly, the Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano has relaxed the Coronavirus lockdown imposed on the State and has directed churches to resume full activities.

The Governor stated this in a broadcast to the people of the State on Saturday evening in Awka.

Recall that church activities had been restricted for 14 days as part of the measures to curtail the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

On Saturday, Willie Obiano asked churches to resume full activities, stating that the worshippers must wear face masks and observe all NCDC’s Guidelines during services. 

Obiano revealed that movement around the State was not restricted, stressing, however, that all boundaries in the State remained closed.

He said, “With regards to religious groups, leaders of the church should ensure that worshippers comply with the standards protocols of COVID-19 which includes wearing of face masks to church, use of hand sanitizer, social distancing and regular washing of hands.

“Church leaders should decide how best to conduct mass and service in strict adherence to the principles of social distancing to ensure that worshippers are not endangered. Please note that there should be no crusades and vigils for the time being.”