JUST IN: Osun Govt reopens churches, mosques
Osun Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has reopened churches and mosques for two weeks in the first instance.
He explained the decision to reopen worship centres partially was in response to the request by religious leaders and resolve of the Federal Government to lift ban on religious activities.
He said the State Government had prepared some guidelines that must be followed to forestall possible spread of the virus as a result of the reopening.
The Governor added further actions by the government would be determined by the effect of compliance level to the guidelines by churches and mosques during the two-week period.
Reeling out some of the guidelines at the meeting in his office at the Government Secretariat, Abere and Government House respectively, Oyetola said only regular church services of not more than one hour and maximum of two services would be allowed.
Jumat services, including khutbah (sermon) and prayers, he said, must not exceed 20 minutes.
He said vulnerable individuals such as those from age 65 and above and people with underlying ailments such as tuberculosis, diabetes, among others, are to continue worshipping at their respective homes.
He also directed that all church and mosques premises be fumigated to ensure the worship environments are free of virus and other infectious diseases.
Continuing, Oyetola said: “Worshipers are to keep reasonable space in churches and mosques and no worship centres must be filled to capacity during any service and solat respectively.
“There should be provision of washing facilities or sanitisers for worshipers before entering the churches and mosques.
“Also, use of face mask is important sharing of worship devices such as microphones and other musical gadgets should be discouraged. Water and food distribution during service should be discouraged.
“Worshippers must avoid exchange of banters and social distancing must be strictly observed.
“Windows in churches and mosques should be opened during worship for ventilation.
“Signage and notices should be placed at strategic locations to remind worshippers of best hygiene practices to be observed.”
He also mandated churches and mosques to provide thermometers to check temperature of worshippers, adding that whoever is with high temperature should not be granted access.
The governor added that vigils and children activities remain suspended, adding that worship centres with support of security operatives should set up taskforce to enforce compliance with measures put in place by the government.