Fayemi Says Only Churches With COVID-19 Prevention Facilities Will Reopen

The Ekiti State Government, has said that it will only allow churches and mosques with Coronavirus prevention facilities to resume activities in the state, while certificates of compliance must be received from the Ministry to authenticate their readiness to reopen.

The State Government had earlier directed religious centres to reopen for operations, July 17 after three and a half months of closure due to the Coronavirus pandemic

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Ekiti chapter has suspended reopening of all major mosques across the state.

Governor Kayode Fayemi, had recently announced that all churches and mosques operating in Ekiti can commence operation on July 17 after the nationwide lockdown barring religious activities was pronounced on March 29.

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The Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Gbenga Agbeyo, who said this in Ado-Ekiti, on Thursday, insisted that no religious centres would be allowed to resume without complying with the stipulated guidelines to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

He said all the churches and mosques must comply with the COVID-19 safety protocols to avert the spread of the deadly disease, saying provision of requisite facilities remains the prerequisite for reopening

Agbeyo said part of the prerequisites is that, the religious centres must fumigate their premises, and provide running water in front of their buildings to ensure regular hand washing.

“Others also include: use alcohol based hand sanitizers, ensure they wear nose covers, make available infrared thermometers for body temperature measurements and maintain social distancing.”