Lagos : Churches and mosques to reopen on June 19

Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has lifted the ban on religious gatherings in the state, starting from June 19, 2020.

During a media briefing on Thursday, June 4, the governor said his government will allow a restricted opening of religious houses based on compliance reviewed with the state's safety commission.

The governor said mosques are allowed to reopen on June 19, while churches are allowed to reopen on June 21.

Noting that mass gatherings can increase the spread of the coronavirus, Sanwo-Olu said churches and mosques can only reopen at a maximum of 40% of their capacity. "Even if your 40% capacity is really so large, you cannot have beyond 500 (people), and keeping the maximum capacity is really important," he said.

The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 had announced on Monday, June 1, 2020 that it was lifting the ban even though the number of cases keep rising in the country.

COVID-19 shouldn't determine how churches worship - Chris Okotie

Rev Chris Okotie of the Household of God Church, says social distancing in the wake of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, should not be brought anywhere near the Church of God.

Religious places of worship, alongside schools, pubs, nightclubs and entertainment spots have been shut down by state and federal governments since March, as one of the measures to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Last Thursday, CAN issued a 10-point guideline which it intends to present to the federal government for approval.

CAN President, Rev Samson Ayokunle said the guidelines, drafted in compliance with the government’s efforts to tackle COVID-19, would determine the operations of churches when they reopen.

In his reaction, Okotie wonders why anyone should wear a face mask in church and why social distancing should be observed in places of worship.

He considers the protocols non-scriptural.

"Social distancing in the Church of Jesus Christ is tantamount to blasphemous infidelity and an impeachment of the integrity of the word of God,” Okotie said in a statement addressed to Ayokunle.

“Healing is fundamental to the redemptive work of Jesus. To allow the idol of coronavirus to determine the scope of congregational worship in the house of God is an abomination of gargantuan proportions,” he said.

“No true minister of the gospel will succumb to such travesty of the faith. This is a summary of my objections. I have sent this message hoping that you would respond as one who bears the burden of the cross of Jesus.

I have restrained myself from making a public outcry of this desecration and profanation out of respect for you and the CAN hierarchy. But be assured that this position is transient.”

COVID-19: Government lifts ban on religious gatherings.

Following the declaration that Taraba is covid-19 free, The Taraba State government has said people in the State can resume their religious activities.

Haruna Manu, the state deputy governor made the disclosure during a broadcast on Monday.

He stated that people of the State must adhere to the social distancing and other safety protocols while observing their religious activities. 

 Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays have been set aside to enable the residents carry out their activities from 8 am. to 6 pm.

He ordered that the lockdown would still be observed on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Warning that violators would face strict penalties, the Deputy governor called on religious leaders and other citizens to comply with the rules.

This is coming at a time when President Muhammadu Buhari ordered the extension of the gradual ease of lockdown in Lagos, Abuja and Ogun States due to the rising cases of COVID-19 in these three states.