By Solomon Odeniyi
In a bid to determine the level of prevalence of the lethal Coronavirus in the State of Osun, the State Government of Osun said it had begun an epidemiological survey.
This, the government said is to protect its people from Coronavirus, appealing to the people of the state to take responsibility and make the efforts of government count.
It is said though the curve seemed to be flattening in the state, the government said it is important that residents acknowledge that the state shares land borders with states which COVID-19 status cannot be ascertained.
This is contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs. Funke Egbemode, at the end of the week’s State Executive Council meeting.
The government also warns religious centres disregarding the guidelines and holding extended services, describing the act as illegal and capable of endangering the lives of citizens.
The statement read in part: “The government continues to worry about the level of non-compliance of its citizens to the COVID-19 safety protocols in the public space, with more people behaving like COVID-19 is no longer a reality.
“Although the curve seems to be flattening in our state, it is important that we all acknowledge that the State of Osun is not an Island. Our land borders are opened, and that means that people move in and out of the state every day, most of whose COVID-19 status cannot be ascertained.
“Airports have also been opened across the country, which means that people from outside Nigeria can come into the country from those nations that are still experiencing spikes in the number of confirmed cases of the pandemic.
“We cannot, therefore afford to take chances by letting down our guards. This is the time when individuals, families and institutions must do what is right so that the entire citizenry can stay safe together.
“The government is also extending an appeal to religious leaders, not to step down their adherence to the established guidelines. It has been observed in some quarters that special programmes, extended services and high density gatherings are already being conducted.
“This flagrant disregard is not only illegal, but one that is capable of endangering the lives of people, especially our children, and the government will not hesitate to close down any outfit found guilty of this disregard.
“The government is doing everything within its power to protect its people from corona virus, including an ongoing epidemiological survey to determine the level of prevalence of the disease in the state. Let us all ensure these efforts do not go to waste.’ The statement reads.