Oyo govt imposes curfew as COVID-19 cases increase in the state

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Friday, ordered a dusk- to- dawn curfew after the state’s coronavirus cases increased to three.

In a series of tweets, the governors also ordered the closure of all the markets in the state and banned gatherings of more than 10 people.

All inter-state transportation has been suspended except for vehicles carrying food items, medical, pharmaceutical and petroleum products.

The measures takes effect Sunday night.

Makinde also revealed that a state diagnostic centre had been set up in collaboration with the University College Hospital (UCH).

The centre’s certification is still pending at the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

The statement read: “The COVID-19 confirmation test for two suspected cases had come back positive. The isolation process has been initiated. 84 persons of interest have been identified, and contact tracing and collection of samples have commenced.

“The state’s diagnostic centre set up in collaboration with the University College Hospital is now ready. The @NCDCgov certification is still pending. But the Director- General of NCDC has made a pre-statement about the molecular laboratory in Oyo State.

“The index case remains stable and is still under observation in the isolation unit at Agbami Chest Centre, Jericho. The number of confirmed cases in Oyo State is now three.

“As a result of this, I have directed that the following additional measures be put in place: a dusk- to- dawn curfew (7 PM to 6 AM); no gatherings of more than 10 people should be held anywhere in Oyo State.

“From Sunday night, March 29, 2020, all markets will be closed except those selling perishable food items.

Also, inter-state transportation into and out of the state will be suspended except vehicles carrying food items, medical, pharmaceutical and petroleum products. This takes effect from Sunday night, March 29, 2020. All measures will be reviewed on a weekly basis.

“As part of our COVID-19 sensitization programme, over 30,000 handbills in English, Igbo, Yoruba and Hausa have been produced for distribution.”