With the resumption of the rest of the season of the popular English Premier Football League, soccer devotees in Ekiti State can begin to enjoy new matches – but only in their private homes please.
- Football viewing has not been categorized as an essential duty or service by order of Mr. Governor.
- Daily Curfew from 8 pm to 6 am remains in force.
- Ban on Large public gatherings in confined spaces beyond 20 persons remains in force.
- Ban on Non-essential Weekend activities (i.e. Saturday, Sunday, when most EPFL matches are played) remains in force.
Even with the use of face masks, it is not unreasonable to expect such two-hour events with enthusiastic and cheering individuals to be virus-super-spreading, even with the best of social distancing and hygienic conditions observed. At this time, with Ekiti now at 43 cases, with neighbors and near-neighbors Lagos at 10,026 Oyo at 1,305, Edo at 933, Ondo at 232, Osun at 108, Kwara at 217, and Kogi (still) at 3, it is prudent for us in Ekiti to remain extremely cautious. These rules are not punitive nor meant to be merely inconveniencing.
Restaurants, bars and viewing centers should please take note.
Prof. Bolaji Aluko
Covid-19 Response Taskforce Coordinator
SADG/OTSD