Coronavirus: Ogun State Government orders indefinite closure of schools

The Ogun State Government on Thursday announced indefinite closure of schools, and also extend ban to worship centres, as result of threatening spread of coronavirus, which has now become worrisome across the globe

Penpushing reports that, the order which was update on the earlier ban on social centres of Wednesday was made available in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Kunle Somorin, adding the school closure take effect from Friday

“Due to the global spread of the Corona virus and the recent ban of all high-density gatherings in Ogun State, the State Government wishes to clarify that the ban on high-density gatherings affects all schools, whether they are public or private-owned, as well as all religious activities in the State”.

“Consequently, all schools in the State will remain closed indefinitely after school hours on Friday, March, 20th, 2020. Also, all religious centres and activities including regular and special services that bring together fifty (50) or more persons in the same place are banned with immediate effect”.

Penpushing further reports that, the statement added that, these measures will be reviewed at regular intervals in response to the development surrounding the Corona virus disease.

“The Government, therefore, enjoins all parents and guardians who have their children and wards in any boarding facility within the State to immediately evacuate them and return them to their respective homes at the close of schools on Friday, March 20th, 2020”, it reads.

The statement emphasised that Governor Abiodun thankfully acknowledges and appreciates religious leaders for their advice, understanding solidarity and support, “as we jointly search for solution to the pandemic and for their cooperation to observe all safety measures in the overall interest of our State and common humanity”.

The statement also said government emphasises the need to observe global best practice of social distancing as way of curtailing the spread of the pandemic and recommends that as much as possible, people should minimize contact with others and maintain a distance of at least five feet between one another in public places or in public transportation.

“In addition, nonessential travels should be limited whilst also avoiding high-density gatherings”, the statement said, adding that the governor pleads for the understanding of parents, school owners and the entire citizenry to comply fully with all laid down measures and for them to offer useful information for the state to respond appropriately to the COVID-19 challenge.

The Governor further encourages people to maintain a high level of personal hygiene and surveillance. adding that suspected cases should be reported at the nearest Primary Healthcare Centre (PHCs) in all the 236 wards in the State or the Emergency Operations Centre on COVID-19 by telephone on 08188978393 or 08188978392