By Adekola Afolabi

The Ondo State Inter-ministerial Committee on COVID-19 has revealed that reopening of educational institutions in the state was under review.
The Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Adesegun Fatusi, who made the revelation during a media briefing on COVID-19 in Akure, the Ondo state capital, explained that there would be a comprehensive review of their responses with the mindset of releasing new guidelines this week.
He further advised religious, political leaders and other critical stakeholders to continue to obey protocols for COVID-19 prevention while carrying out any of their activities in the state.
The chairman noted that even though government had taken cognisance of the socio-political context of the state, there was need to comply with necessary precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and safeguard residents during the period.
According to him, where gathering is unavoidable, the proper use of nose mask, hand washing practice, use of hand sanitizers and physical distancing should be encouraged.
Prof. Fatusi added that as part of efforts to flatten the curve of its spread, the Inter-ministerial Committee is currently reviewing its existing guidelines, part of which will take into consideration the educational, social, economic and political sectors of the state.
He equally said new sets of personal protective equipment will soon be distributed to health workers in the State, explaining that apart from 418 health workers that were earlier infected, no health worker has been infected with the virus recently.
While calling for collective efforts towards stopping the spread of the virus, the University Don said testing laboratory and isolation centre in Ondo are at 90 per cent completion stage.
Prof. Fatusi appealed to religious leaders in the state to re-double their monitoring mechanism in order to ensure that worshippers adhere to the guidelines while congregating.
Fatusi who also appreciated religious leaders for their cooperation so far, further encouraged them to always abide by the rules and regulations laid down by government.
Earlier, the Acting Commissioner for Health in Ondo State, Dr. Jibayo Adeyeye, who was represented by Dr. Toyin Adeyalo-Ogundare said since the outbreak of the pandemic Ondo State now has a total of 1539 confirmed cases and 30 deaths. He also hinted that most of the patients have been treated and discharged.