COVID-19: El-Rufai lifts ban on religious activities
The Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai has lifted the ban on daily prayers and church services in places of worship across the state.
The decision, according to the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Muyiwa Adekeye, in a statement, was taken on the recommendation of the state COVID-19 Task Force.
El-Rufai said the health protocols are captured in the FORWARD campaign, which “includes wearing Facemasks, Observing physical distancing, practising Respiratory hygiene, Washing hands regularly, Avoiding large gatherings, Remaining indoors as much as possible and eating immune-boosting Diets.”
Daily Times recalls the government had imposed restrictions on all forms of congregational worship on 26th March 2020 as part of the state government’s COVID-19 containment strategy.
These restrictions have been gradually relaxed, starting with Sunday services in churches and Jumaat prayers on Fridays.
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The governor noted that “as more offices, businesses, markets and places of worship open, the government appeals to citizens to maintain utmost vigilance because Covid-19 has not closed.
“As people pursue their livelihoods, they should practise the personal responsibility obligations outlined in the FORWARD campaign to protect themselves and their families.”
The statement warned that “places of worship that persistently fail to comply with the guidelines may be closed, to protect the worshippers and the public.”
It further said Bureau of Interfaith Matters would continue to engage leaders of faith on compliance with the guidelines for safe resumption of daily prayers and services.
