COVID-19: DTSG Orders Night Clubs To Shut Down From Dec 25, Releases New Guidelines For Churches, Others

By Daniel Dafe
In line with the recent Federal Government advise on ways to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, Governor of Delta State, has directed the general observance of a number of COVID-19 protocols and guidelines which include the mandatory use of face masks, hand washing or use of alcohol based hand sanitizers and social distancing. adding that “in the meantime, all night clubs are closed with effect from 25th December, 2020.”

These are among the guidelines released by the state government to tackle the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the state government said that “there is the need for extra caution by Deltans and residents.”

While wishing Deltans and residents in the State a merry Christmas, the State Government through a press statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Chiedu Ebie, said that these guidelines became necessary based on the advice of medical experts on the resurgence of a second wave of the pandemic which is reportedly more virulent, noting that there have been serious health concerns across the globe.

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Furthermore the Okowa adminstration said that “all informal and formal festivity events including weddings, burials, conferences, congresses, office parties, concerts, seminars, end of year events shall be restricted to not more 50 persons.”

Continuing, the statement said that “all bars, lounges, restaurants, eateries, event centres, cinema houses as well as recreational venues are to operate at not more than 50% capacity.”

“Overloading of vehicles should be discouraged and it is mandatory for passengers or commuters to use face masks while drivers should ensure good sanitary condition of vehicles.

“All public spaces should run on 50% capacity basis; virtual meetings should be encouraged for business purposes and among social groups. All government staff below grade level 12 are to proceed on extended Christmas holidays till further notice

“All markets, shopping centres, and other business centres must adopt the earlier mentioned protocols and guidelines in the use of face masks, hand washing and social distancing,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, “all gatherings linked to religious activities are to operate at not more than 50% capacity of the facility in use and ensure mandatory use of face masks, hand sanitizers and social distancing,” saying that “where possible, multiple services should be adopted.”

According to the statement, public and private primary, secondary and tertiary Institutions are to open on Monday, 11th January, 2021.”

Persons above the age of 60 years and/or with comorbidities were encouraged to stay at home and avoid crowds.