Finally, Ogun re-opens worship centres, unveils 20 guidelines

Four months after religious centres were shutdown in Ogun state, following the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, the governor, Dapo Abiodun, Friday lifted the ban on closure of worship centres.

The governor, who gave the order for the re-opening of worship centres in a statement, also canceled the weekend lockdown in the state.

He said there must be more than 200 worshippers in a service while services must not exceed one and a half hour.

Governor Abiodun had two weeks ago announced Friday, August 14 and Sunday, August 16, as tentative dates for the re-opening of worship centres after considering the report of the committee setup by the state on the reopening of worship centres.

The committee comprises the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN); the League of Imams and Alfas and government representatives.

He said the decision was in line with agreement reached by the committee set up to develop guidelines for re-opening of the religious centres.

“After thorough deliberation, consideration and resolution, we decided to reopen the worship centres with effect from Friday, August 14, 2020, as indicated in my last address.

“I am delighted to note that reports reaching us indicate varying but encouraging level of preparedness by the Worship Centres. Therefore, today, Friday, 14th August is hereby confirmed for the commencement of operations of the Worship Centres, subject to the guidelines.

“It is of great importance that all stakeholders fully comply with the agreed guidelines, so that, together, we can further flatten the curve of this pandemic,” he said.

The governor, however, rolled out 20 guidelines for religious centres, some of which include: compulsory use of face masks for congregants, decontamination of worship centres before and after services, provision of alcohol-based hand sanitisers which must be used before and after service; and provision of infrared thermometers.

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