Ogun State Government has banned gatherings that would bring 50 or more persons in the same space in the state.

Governor Dapo Abiodun’s Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, announced this in a statement on Wednesday.

According to Mr Somorin, the ban takes immediate effect for the next 30 days in the first instance and covers gatherings in places like cinemas, night clubs, restaurants, cafes and sport arenas.

Somorin said the ban was meant to complement measures so far taken by the government to contain the spread of the coronavirus in the state.

The statement read: “The restriction has to be enforced without prejudice to people’s fundamental rights to association and movement, because safety of our people and their welfare are priorities that cannot be toyed with.

“The government will continue to engage all the stakeholders including religious leaders to sensitise the populace on the need to maintain social distance and collective effort to combat the pandemic.

 “The Ogun government will continue the surveillance initiatives and intensify sensitisation on COVID-19.”

According to the statement, the governor assured that he will leave no stone unturned “to ensure that the state is prepared at all times to respond appropriately.