Ogun Bans Public Gatherings Over Coronavirus

Ogun State Government on Wednesday banned high-density gatherings in places like cinemas, sports arena, restaurants, and night clubs for the next 30 days to contain the spread of coronavirus.

The Government noted that it has found it expedient to announce the immediate ban of all high-density gatherings that would bring together 50 or more persons in the same place such as social clubs, halls, cinemas, night clubs, restaurants, cafes, and sports arenas.

A statement by Governor Dapo Abiodun’s Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, said the measure would be in effect for the next 30 days in the first instance, adding that the restriction had to be enforced without prejudice to people’s fundamental rights to association and movement.

It stressed that the safety of people and their welfare take the utmost priorities and could not be toyed with.

“The Government will continue to engage all the stakeholders, including our religious leaders to sensitize the populace on the need to maintain social distancing and collective effort to combat this pandemic.

“The Government will continue the surveillance initiatives and intensify sensitization on COVID-19. This is more so given the peculiarity of its location as the Nation’s Gateway State and its industrial capital. Our epidemiologists and other health workers are working round the clock with Federal agencies and international development agencies to stop the spread of coronavirus.

“In view of the recent confirmed cases in the country, Governor Abiodun reassures the populace that no stone will be left unturned to ensure that the state is prepared at all times to respond appropriately,” the statement reads.

The Governor urged people to maintain a high level of suspicion and report any suspected case to the appropriate authorities.