The Osun State Government has announced the full reopening of markets and places of worship in a new guideline of easing the lockdown induced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Information and Civic Orientation commissioner Mrs. Funke Egbemode on Wednesday night said markets are now allowed to begin full operations. Worship centres that were restricted to once weekly meetings can now commence their weekly services, subject to COVID-19 safety protocols.
Egbemode said the new guideline takes immediate effect because the state government has appraised the current status of the state in the ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, and has decided to relax some of its lockdown measures, following some emerging positive indices.
“In the light of this, approval has been given for the full reopening of all markets and worship centres in the state, for the purpose of serving the needs of the people on the one hand and to preserve the means of the traders’ livelihood on the other.
“All citizens, whether traders or clients, are urged to continue to wear nose masks in public places, and also ensure regular use of hand sanitizer, especially at the end of every exchange.
“The government has also granted approval for worship centres to commence their normal weekly activities in addition to the Friday Jumat and Sunday Services,” the statement added.