Health

We will shut down any erring institution – Oyo COVID-19 Task Force

By Web News 816

The Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force has directed the management of schools, workplaces and religious centres to ensure strict compliance with established protocols aimed at curtailing the Coronavirus disease.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Taiwo Adisa who is the head of the task force says it will shut down any institution, religious centre or workplace that violates the rules on the use of closed space settings.

The statement indicates that the advice became necessary following the discovery of a COVID-19 case in a tertiary institution in the state.

It adds that the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) of the Task Force had immediately ordered a lock-in of the affected tertiary institution to keep staff, students and the general public safe with contact tracing ongoing.

“Many of these cases were discovered in closed space settings such as offices and other workplaces”.

“A reported case within a tertiary educational institution had also resulted in more cases being discovered through contact tracing”. 

“The state government has taken appropriate steps to lock in the institution to prevent further spread and put in place other preventive measures”.

“Contact tracing has been intensified and the Emergency Operations Centre is working with the institution concerned to ensure that all students and staff of the institution are safe and well,” the statement read.

The statement added that “the Oyo State, as a responsive and responsible government, wishes to admonish all residents to ensure due compliance with the directives and all COVID-19 prevention protocols as earlier stipulated, to enable a successful limitation of virus transmission.

Iyabo Adebisi

Health

Oyo Reviews Curfew, Mosques, Churches to Operate at 25% Capacity

By Web News 1401

The Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force announced on Monday that it has relaxed the curfew imposed on the state following the advent of the ravaging Coronavirus pandemic.

The Task Force, which made the decision public after a two-and-a-half-hour meeting presided by its chairman, Governor Seyi Makinde, added that the curfew would now run from 10pm to 4am.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, confirmed that other decisions reached include the resumption of classes for Primary Six, JSS3 and SS3 students from Monday, June29, resumption of work by all category of workers at the state secretariat from June 22, opening up of mosques and churches, which are to operate at 25 per cent capacity, and the decision to limit public gathering to not more than 25 persons.

The statement indicated that the state secretariat, which was earlier shut on March 27 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and later reopened to staff on grade level 13 and above from Monday, April 27, would now be open to all other staffers from Monday, June 22.

According to the statement, students in critical classes are to resume at the end of June to ensure they are well-prepared for the public examinations ahead of them.

The statement read: “The schools are to observe the COVID-19 protocols as released by the Task Force, ensure that stations for washing of hands are provided in all schools, while all students are to compulsorily wear face masks.

“Schools are to provide hand wash points with the support of their Parents/Teachers Associations (PTA).

“The resumption of critical classes at the end of June 2020, would be two clear weeks ahead of the state’s drop-dead date of July 15. By that date, it would be decided whether other categories of students will return to the classes.”

The statement further read: “Mosques and Churches are to reopen and operate at not more than 25 per cent capacity. The situation will be reviewed within the first two weeks. All worshippers are to compulsorily wear face masks.

“Night clubs are to remain shut even though the existing curfew, which used to run from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m, is being aligned with that of the Federal Government, which runs from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.

“The Task Force will not mind shutting down everywhere if evidence emerges that the COVID-19 safety protocols are being violated, or should there be an explosion in the number of cases, however, the state government will intensify enlightenment campaigns to ensure the safety of our people.”

The statement also added that the resumption order will not affect the tertiary institutions for now, as the Task Force would review their situation and determine their state of readiness.

Signed:

Taiwo Adisa,

Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde

June 15, 2020.

Politics

Ban on religious gathering still in force – Governor Makinde

By Web News 677

The Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force, headed by Governor Seyi Makinde says it is yet to relax the ban on religious activities and the curfew imposed as a result of the pandemic.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa indicates that the Task Force made its position public after a two-hour online meeting.

The statement adds that the Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force is still evaluating the situation in the state.

It explains that the position was informed by the ongoing risk, situation analysis being undertaken by a team of experts.

According to the statement, the ban on religious gathering remained in force in the state from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew earlier imposed on the state as a result of the ravaging pandemic.

Meanwhile, the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) of the Task Force will commence the community testing for COVID-19, with the aim of determining the behaviour of the virus in the state.

The statement indicated that the exercise, which is scheduled to hold in 10 locations, will kick off in three different sites in Ibadan.

Iyabo Adebisi

Health

Covid-19: Oyo Discharges 11 Patients

By Web News 808

In Oyo state, eleven COVID-19 patients at the Olodo Infectious Disease Centre in Ibadan have been discharged and certified free of coronavirus having tested negative twice. 

The patients consisting of three females and eight males were reintegrated back into the society after spending over two weeks at the centre.

Speaking with journalists while discharging the patients, the Coordinator of Isolation and Treatment centres in the state, Professor Temitope Alonge explained some of the treatment procedures used by the centre to boost the immunity of the patients to be free from the virus. 

Professor Alonge also said that thirty-two patients currently at the centre are in stable condition promising that the team would continue to do all within its power to ensure that the patients get well as soon as possible. 

Speaking on behalf of the patients, one of the transfer cases from Lagos who was also discharged expressed satisfaction about the care and concern showed by the medical team in assisting her defeat the virus.

The patient who is now free from Covid-19 commended the Oyo state government for its commitment in providing care and treatment for patients of COVID-19 in the state.

Iyabo Adebisi

Health

COVID-19: Group Donates Medical Equipment to Oyo Govt.

By Web News 965

The organized private sector under the umbrella of Coalition against COVID-19 in Nigeria, CACOVID has donated mobile x-ray machine, portable ultrasound, oxygen concentrator and other essential medical equipment to Oyo state government for smooth take off of the coronavirus isolation and treatment center in Saki.

Donating the items, the Group Head, South West, Public Sector Group, Dr. Timothy Arowogun, shortly after the delivery of the medical equipment at Jericho specialist hospital, Ibadan said the gesture was part of private sector contribution towards eliminating COVID-19 in the state.

Dr. Arowogun noted that the equipment would be transferred to infectious disease center in Saki, which is currently undergoing a total renovation.

Dr, Arowogun who said that the group would also donate food items to the state government to give to vulnerable group as palliatives, urged the public to take to precautions against the virus.

Speaking on behalf of Oyo state COVID-19 Task Force, Professor Temitope Alonge appreciated the body, stressing that the equipment were key components required for proper management of patients in a severe isolation and treatment center.

Other equipment donated by CACOVID includes nebulizer, stretcher, apron, biosafety cabinet, kidney disk baby cot, amongst others.

Adebisi Iyabo

Health

Low Compliance Recorded by COVID-19 Task Force in Ibadan Markets

By Web News 2448

The Oyo state Task Force on COVID-19 has expressed mixed reactions on the level of compliance by the traders at some markets in the state.

This came to fore when the team paid an inspection tour to Bodija International market, Moniya and Sasa markets in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Security, CP Fatai Owoseni (Second right) and Special Adviser on Media, Mr Jide Ajani enlighten the people of Bodija market, Ibadan on how to prevent them self from Covid-19 virus. PHOTO: Oyo State Government.

While sensitizing the traders, the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun regretted that the level of compliance witnessed at the various markets was not 100 percent.

Dr Olatunbosun warned that any erring markets would be shut during another unscheduled visit if the compliance level remained low. 

Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun (right); Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Security, CP Fatai Owoseni (second right) enlighten the people of Bodija market, Ibadan on how to prevent them self from Covid-19 virus. PHOTO: Oyo State Government.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Security Matters, Fatai Owoseni urged the traders to provide hand washing facilities at strategic points in the markets and obey rules on social distancing or face indefinite closure. 

Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun (right); Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Security, CP Fatai Owoseni (second right) enlighten the people of Bodija market, Ibadan on how to prevent them self from Covid-19 virus. PHOTO: Oyo State Government.

In an interview, the Babaloja of Bodija market, Alhaji Ismaila Aderemi said the traders would comply with the directives of the state government.

Oyo state government had earlier issued a seven-day ultimatum to all market leaders in the state to comply with its directives on safety measures or be closed indefinitely.

Adebisi Iyabo

Economy

Oyo Civil Servants on Grade Level 13 Above Resume Work

By Web News 1433

In line with the directive of Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state, both public and civil servants on grade level 13 and above in the state workforce resumed today at the state secretariat.

Radio Nigeria correspondent who monitored the situation at the Secretariat, reports that security personnel were stationed at the entrance gate to  screen those entering at ensuring that only those on level 13 and above gained entrance into the secretariat.

It was also observed that the screening at the entrance gate caused traffic around secretariat.

Some of the civil servants in an interview with Radio Nigeria expressed mixed reaction.

Those who spoke with our correspondent under the condition of anonymity believed that government took the decision not to put the economy of the state in jeopardy.

Radio Nigeria also observed that majority of the civil servants put on facemasks based on the new policy of the present administration while small percentage were  without face masks.

Few ministries have hand-washing facilities in front of their office complex.

Reacting to the resumption on a radio program in Ibadan, Governor Makinde, said the step became imperative as the economy of Oyo state is tied to the activities in the state Secretariat.

According to the governor, only 3,000 workers out of the 15,000 to 20,000 resumed work, adding that his government was striking a balance between the economy and the physical health of its employees.

Iyabo Adebisi

Health

Decontamination of Oyo State Secretariat Begins

By Web News 1851

Oyo state government has commenced fumigation of its Secretariat located at Agodi in Ibadan.

Governor Seyi Makinde at the commencement of the fumigation of the state Secretariat said the decontamination was part of the efforts of the state government to curb the spread of Covid-19 in Oyo state.

Oyo State Secretary to the Government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun, Funmigating during the flag off of Oyo covid-19 Decontamination /containment project at the Government office secretariat, Ibadan, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo (L)

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun, Governor Makinde urged other corporate bodies to be responsive by also embarking on a decontamination exercise around their properties, urging them to follow specifications to avoid health consequences as a result of the chemical.

Decontamination /containment of the Oyo State Government office secretariat, Ibadan.

The chairman of the covid-19 decontamination and containment project, Professor Olanike Adeyemo said only places with possible cases of covid-19 needed to be decontaminated while other public places would receive mild fumigation.

Commissioner for Health, Dr Bashir Bello emphasized that the fumigation exercise was done to make the environment safe.

Members of the team for the containment exercise were volunteers from the University of Ibadan who were supporting the state government as part of their corporate social responsibilities.

The three -day fumigation exercise ends this Wednesday while the Secretariat is expected to be opened next week Monday.

Adebisi Adebayo

Health

Makinde Advocates Strict Compliance to Basic Hygiene Practices

By Web News 813

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde wants residents of the state to obey rules and regulations guiding the prevention and spread of Coronavirus pandemic.

Governor Makinde who stated this during a phone-in segment of a Radio Programme in Ibadan clarified that he truly tested positive for coronavirus.

The governor said though he was in self-isolation but would still be working with the state’s task force on Covid-19 to contain the spread of the virus.

Governor Makinde said those who had contact with him have been asked to self-Isolate with a view to testing their sample. 

Governor Makinde said virology department of the University College Hospital, Ibadan is now fully operational for suspected victims to be monitored and managed.

He therefore urged residents of the state to imbibe hygienic practices to prevent the disease and promised that the Olodo infectious isolation center would finally be put in place before the end of this week.

Iyabo Adebisi

News

Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force Impounds Vehicles

By Web News 765

Oyo State COVID-19 Security and Enforcement Sub-Committee has impounded a total of twenty-two illegally parked vehicles during its special night operations to enforce compliance at clubhouses and public places in Ibadan.

Addressing the team of officers before the operation, the Executive Chairman, OYRTMA,Dr. Akin Fagbemi, who distributed protective tools to the officers such as hand gloves, portable sanitizers, nose masks and thermometers urged them to be professional in the exercise and respect fundamental human rights in the course of the operation.

Dispersing cluster of persons that formed a crowd of more than 10 at clubhouses, the Special anti-COVID-19 squad gave sufficient information on the need for residents to comply with the State Government’s directives on social distancing, regular washing of hands and other guidelines.

Clubhouses the enforcement team visited included Platinum, Awolowo Road; Hexagon, Samonda; Pleasure Summit, GRA; Cimola Hotel, Mokola; Latitude, Samonda; Mauve 21, Ring Road; Ventura, Sango and Shanty’s club among others across the State.

The Oyo State Road Transport Management Authority (OYRTMA) has also deployed over 200 men and officers to join the COVID-19 Taskforce Health Advisory Sub-committee to embark on public enlightenment at markets and public places within Ibadan for a campaign tagged: ‘Break in the Chain of Transmission Campaign on COVID-19’.

Iyabo Adebisi

Health

Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force Update

By Web News 822
  1. The Oyo State civil service will shut down for two weeks from, Friday, March 27, 2020. Only workers rendering essential services will be required to report for duty.
  2. We still have one confirmed case of coronavirus in Oyo State, the Bodija case, who is receiving treatment at the isolation centre – Agbami Chest Centre, Jericho, Ibadan.
  3. Additional numbers have been added to the Emergency Operations Centre’s Helplines. Please call these numbers for any issue related to Coronavirus; 08095394000 / 08095963000 / 08078288999 / 08078288800
  4. The returnee from the USA in Oluyole Local Government Area is still asymptomatic. She has completed her 14-day self-isolation period (March 8-22).
  5. New guidelines on public transportation have been issued by the Ministry of Public Works, Infrastructure and Transportation to ensure proper hygienic standards and social distancing.
    All transport operators and park managers are to provide at the entrance to their respective parks/garages, hand washing facilities with soap and running water. They are to provide alcohol-based sanitizers in their vehicles for the use of drivers, conductors and passengers.
    Standing is prohibited in public mass transit buses and there must be a minimum of one seat interval between passengers. Tricycles are limited to three passengers and commercial motorcycles are limited to one passenger only.
  6. Enlightenment campaigns on Coronavirus in English and Yoruba have commenced in the media. Street to street public announcements using megaphones have commenced in the rural areas.
  7. We have received reports of a few private schools flouting the directive for closure of schools. A task force from SUBEB, TESCOM and the Ministry of Education have been authorised to take appropriate action against any school flouting this directive. Any school acting in breach of the directive can be reported by calling the Emergency Operations Centre Helplines on 08095394000 / 08095963000 / 08078288999 / 08078288800.
  8. Ministry of Health officials met with religious leaders to ensure compliance with the directive that gatherings are limited to a maximum of 30 persons. They also met with stakeholders in the hospitality industry to ensure compliance with the directive that nightclubs remain closed.