The Osun state government has declared a ban on youth carnivals and New Year rallies and ceremonies in the state as part of steps to curb the spread of COVID-19.
Social clubs, hotels, department stores, supermarkets, event centers and allied centers in the state were also ordered by the government to operate at half capacity.
A statement released on Tuesday in Osogbo by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Wole Oyebamiji, stated that the decision had been taken at a meeting of the State Executive Council.
Oyebamiji said that the council raised concerns about what it described as an abysmally low level of compliance with COVID-19 protocols by state residents.
The Council also called on people to cut social events, such as weddings, naming ceremonies and funeral ceremonies, in order to minimize exposure and interaction with potential coronavirus carriers entering the state during yuletide, he said.
Oyebamiji said that in their respective worship centers, religious institutions in the state were also mandated to reintroduce the abandoned COVID-19 protocols.
He said that council members were directed to engage the leadership of different religious organizations to raise awareness and inform their congregants about the need to comply with the COVID-19 guidelines.
