COVID-19:Governor Sanwo-Olu Orders Reopening Of Churches And Mosques At 50% Capacity In Lagos

       

    

Sanwo-Olu,the Lagos State Governor, while giving a live press briefing on Covid-19,on Saturday,announced that the worship centres will resume their activities with effect from August ,7, 2020.

Before now, there has been conflicting information about the opening of worship centres in the state which has subjected the government to criticism by some religious fanatics, who are of the opinion that the continuous shutting down of activities in churches and mosques was an attempt to victimize worshippers.

The Lagos State governor had about three weeks ago attempted to lift the ban on worship activities when things seemed to be getting better regarding the pandemic. But before the start of of its implimentation , there was an unusual spike in the covid-19 figure recorded in Lagos state.

Immediately, the state government reversed it's decision and everything went back to the statusquo. 

At Saturday briefing, Sanwo-Olu indicated that they will have to operate at 50 percent capacity for now. He insisted that the use of face mask and hand sanitizer is compulsory. 

   

He also admonished the religious leaders to encourage the use of online transactions as way of payment of Tithes and Offerings.

Other restrictions that were lifted include restaurants which are allowed to resume operating from August ,14. Schools to reopen on August,3 with exit classes to be admitted first in order to enable them write their exams.

However, strict guildlines  put in place to ensure that the decision is not backfired at the end of the day,should be adhered to.

Although, the covid-19 record in Lagos is still on the rise ,it is obvious  that the economy can not close in perpetuity. Something had to be done and that is just what the governor has done.

The Governor believes if Lagosian could adhere to the covid-19 protocols while going about their daily activities, the chance of defeating the pandemic especially in Lagos is relatively high.

As churches and mosques are set to reopen to the normal activities, it is hope that the gains which had been recorded in the last five months of fighting the dreaded disease is not compromised on the altar of excitement. 

It should be noted that coronavirus is still on the increase ,  but churches and mosques cannot be locked permanently. Life must go on while the fight against the the pandemic continues. That is the whole reason of the reopening under the prevailing conditions.