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Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has explained why religious centres in the state will remain shut.
Speaking at a press briefing of the COVID-19 Task Force on Monday, the governor said state is currently in an accelerated phase in the transmission of COVID-19, adding that the expert advice is that transmission occurs more easily in enclosed spaces.
“So, we cannot at this time, relax this directive.However, the experts are carrying out a risk situation analysis and will be sending in their report before the end of May and this will determine our next steps,” he said.
The governor said himself and his team will be meeting with religious leaders before the end of the week to see how and when reopening of religious places will be possible.
Makinde also said details of the company in Ibadan South West Local Government Area where 38 COVID-19 cases have so far, been confirmed in the last two days, will be unveiled tomorrow.
“We have held back from revealing the name of the company so as to allow the Emergency Operations Centre gather intelligence and complete their investigation,” the governor said.
On the management of COVID-19 cases, Makinde said the state government will continue to allow all confirmed COVID-19 cases who are able to self-isolate at home to do so, in order not to overwhelm the capacity of the isolation centres.
“We will issue an advisory based on the advice given by Professor E. Olatunde Farombi, a Professor of Biochemistry and Fellow, Nigeria Academy of Science. This is on foods and natural products useful as preventive measures against COVID-19 and other viral illnesses.
“For instance, we have bitter kola, turmeric, zinc, ginger, garlic, citrus fruits and bitter leaf. Let me emphasise that this advisory is not for the treatment or cure of COVID-19, it is preventive,” the governor added.