Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, has said worship centers in the state may resume services from Friday, July 17th, in line with the agreement reached by the state government with leaders of religious organizations in the State. 

Governor Fayemi who disclosed this on Tuesday in a state-wide broadcast on the next stage in the State’s COVID-19 Response said arrangements are in top gear to ensure that pupils and students return to school from July 20 as recommended by stakeholders in the education sector.

He, however, said the resumption of schools would be in phases starting with students in terminal classes – SS3, JSS3, and Primary 6 to prepare for their examinations.

The governor added that other classes would be gradually absorbed as schools meet all requirements to accommodate students safely and responsibly.

He said: “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.”

He also noted that the two largest markets in Ado Ekiti – Oja Oba and Bisi Market, will now be open to lock-up shops only, subject to compliance with protocols, stressing that street trading, makeshift stalls kiosks and open display of wares in the said markets remain banned.

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For the worship centers, Fayemi said the state government had agreed with the leadership of the faith community, that worship centers would resume controlled services from July 17.

The governor added: “This is however subject to strict and full compliance with the regulations regarding worship centers which includes social distancing of six-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 centers can reopen.

“Details of the regulations will be available on the state’s COVID-19 app and website www.covid19.ekitistate.gov.ng as well as with the leadership of the faith community. Any worship center that violates the laid down protocols will be shut down and the cleric prosecuted.”

The Governor also announced that the state government has taken a N2.5 billion Life Insurance cover of N2 million each for 500 frontlines medical personnel involved in COVID-19 assignment in addition to the prompt payment of COVID-19 special allowances to qualified cadres. 

However, he expressed dismay with the increasing refusal of residents to wear face masks in public which he said could spike community transmission of the disease. 

Fayemi said security agencies and the Ministry of Justice have been directed to arrest and prosecute any person caught in public places without wearing the face mask appropriately covering the nose, mouth, and chin. 

President Muhammadu Buhari had on Monday lifted the ban on interstate travel and directed students in graduating classes to return to school in preparation for their examinations.