Measures to contain the spread of in Ekiti State is to affect traditional festivals as the state Covid-19 Task Force Response Team has announced the suspension of all pending local and traditional festivals in the state.
The Coordinator of the Task Force, Prof. Bolaji Aluko, in a statement in Ado-Ekiti on Saturday said the government directed traditional rulers in towns and villages to indefinitely suspend all local festivals in their domain.
He revealed that the State had so far recorded 78 positive Coronavirus cases, with 29 active, 2 deaths, and 47 discharged, warning that the cases can rise dramatically if public assemblies continue unchecked.
“Consequently, the wise course is to seriously discourage these festivals at this time.
“In fact, they are effectively banned by current government guidelines requiring social distancing and limited-number assemblies.
“Therefore appealing to all Obas, Council Chairmen, Councillors and community leaders for the cancellation of the public celebrations of all upcoming festivals and cessation of ongoing ones in all part of Ekiti until further notice.
“These festivals should be observed in the quietness of homes. Some Obas have already been commendably proactive and announced cancellation for the rest of the calendar year,” he said.
The COVID-19 Coordinator, called on the people of the state to comply with the government’s directives against crowded assemblies, lack of social distance, and non-wearing of masks would, and must be enforced by the security forces.
“We ask for your cooperation because Ekiti State currently has cumulatively recorded 78 positive COVID-19 cases, 29 of which are active, with 2 deaths and 47 discharged, but the cases can rise dramatically if public assemblies continue unchecked.”
