The Lagos State government has said that worship centres in the State could reopen from August 7.
Lagos had kept churches and mosques closed even after the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 had approved the reopening of worship centres in June, due to fear of the virus spreading.
In a press briefing on Saturday, Governor Sanwo-Olu said Mosques could reopen from August 7 and churches from August 9.
“We will only allow 50 per cent of their maximum capacity, either the church or at the mosque. Churches who have a Saturday worship day will also be allowed to hold worship,” Sanwo-Olu said.
“We will monitor this for the next couple of weeks and see how the observation and compliance get as we move along. They are encouraged to have multiple services on those days but they should restrict it to those designated days of worship.
“In addition, the following conditions must also be fully met by all our religious centres; regular gatherings are permitted to hold but vigils and other services should still be on hold for now.
“We recommend and seriously appeal to senior citizens – if you are aged 65 and above, you are still strongly advised not to attend these places of worship. Please stay back at home,” the Governor said.
The government advised that services be held in open and well ventilated places and that face masks be used during worship services.
“They should ensure that regular cleaning and disinfection of the facilities are carried out to maintain a clean and hygiene environment before, during and after the service.
“Handshakes, hugs, hi-fives are not permitted during gatherings and should be emphasised and displayed at various places of worship,” the Governor said.
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