Makinde defies FG warning order schools to resume 

The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic warned on Monday against reopening of schools and other activities of mass gatherings.

Chairman of the PTF, Mr Boss Mustapha, who gave the warning, lamented the continued violation of measures put in place to curb the spread of the virus, including ban on inter-state travel.

Mustapha said: “We have received reports that some states are contemplating the reopening of schools, television viewing centres, sports stadia and other places where large gatherings could take place.

“The PTF re-emphasises that it is not yet safe to do so and that utmost caution should be exercised. The PTF guideline should still be complied with while considering the decision of this nature”, he warned.

Contrary to FG warning, the Governor of Oyo state has ordered the opening of schools. He made this announcement 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.

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.

“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

“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 would not affect the tertiary institutions, for now, saying that “the Task Force would review their situation and determine their state of readiness”.