Governor Kayode Fayemi has announced the relaxation of the lockdown imposed in Ekiti state following the confirmation of Coronavirus cases in the state. 

The Ekiti state Governor said residents of the state will now have free movement for their daily activities from Monday to Friday between six in the morning and eight in the evening. He also directed civil servants on Grade Level 8 and above to resume duty, while those on Grade Level 7 and below are to remain at home till further notice.

Fayemi noted that the state “cannot afford a community infection that could easily overwhelm our medical capacity and return us to another round of stay-at-home with even more stringent measures.”

He stated that markets, schools and places of worship would soon be reopened after consultations with stakeholders in the different areas.

He said; 

“Commencing from tomorrow, June 1, 2020 (today), Ekiti people will now be able to go about their daily activities from Monday to Friday, 6am to 8pm. For the avoidance of doubt, the dusk to dawn curfew will daily resume at 8pm till 5.59am of the following morning.

“Ekiti State public officers at Grade Level 8 and above are to resume for duty from June 1, 2020, while those on Level 7 and below are to remain at home for now.

“Existing restrictions on human and vehicular movement would continue to be observed in accordance with existing regulations contained in the Ekiti State Coronavirus Disease (Prevention of Infection), Regulations 2020.

“Government is considering reopening the major markets to permanent shop owners, after the outcome of the engagement process that is ongoing on the relocation of roadside traders to the available alternative markets being prepared for them. The reopening will be subject to compliance with specific conditions and protocols that are being determined.

“Similarly, government appreciates the impact of the continued stay at home of our children. Therefore, effort is ongoing to reopen the schools as soon as the committee set up to appraise the protocols, resources, conditions and modalities for reopening has concluded its work.

“This is without prejudice to what may be decided subsequently at the national level in respect of school reopening.”