The Lagos state government has lifted the ban on religious gatherings in the state.
The ban was implemented as part of measures to contain the spread of the novel Coronavirus in the state.
During a press briefing, the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, announced that religious organizations in the state can reopen from June 19th for Muslims and June 21st for Christians.
The governor emphasized that all religious gatherings must not exceed 40% of their congregation, and individuals below the age of 15 should avoid places of worship, while citizens over the age of 65 should not be allowed into such places.
”From the 19th of June for our Muslim worshippers and 21st of June for our Christian worshippers, we will be allowing all of our religious bodies to open at the maximum of 40% of their capacity.
Even if your 40% capacity is so large, you cannot have beyond 500 worshippers at once.
We will be encouraging people to have more than one service and to ensure that they keep there premises clean, disinfect before another round of worship can take place.
We will also be advising that there should only be mandatory Friday and Sunday services. All other night vigils and services must be put on hold for now until we review our current situation.
Persons below the age of 15 should be excused from the places of worship and citizens that are above the age of 65 should not be allowed into these places of worship.’
The governor also specified that communion services involving the sharing of items to eat should be avoided and sharing of kettles in mosques is prohibited.
Furthermore, he announced that manufacturing companies in the state can now open for work between 7am and 6pm, while civil servants on grade levels thirteen and fourteen are to resume work from Monday, June 8, 2020. Those on Grade 1 to 12 are instructed to remain at home until further notice.
The governor also stated that hotels and all other hospitality businesses can open for services, and that restaurants outside hotels can open for takeaway services only. However, bars, cinemas, night clubs, spas, and other leisure parks remain closed for the next two weeks, and non-essential interstate travels are still banned.
Schools remain closed for the time being, as per the governor’s announcement.