By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has issued fresh guidelines for the safe reopening of worship centres across the country.
Few months ago, the federal government directed the closure of all churches and mosques in the country in an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus disease.
Early this month, after severe pressure from religious leaders, states were asked to allow worship centres to reopen, but under some strict guidelines.
Over the weekend, the NCDC issued new guidelines religious centres must adhere to if they must open their premises to worshippers.
According to the rules, places of worship in the country must provide hand washing and sanitising facilities at point of entries; they must regularly disinfect touched surfaces and attendance must not exceed 1/3 of sitting capacity.
continues to support the Federal Government’s efforts in curbing the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria. This is reflected in the increased testing capacity and guidelines that have resulted in the identification and treatment of cases in the country.
NCDC said these guidelines were designed in conjunction with the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 with inputs from the health sector.
“The NCDC remains committed to working under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Health, and in collaboration with government Institutions through the PTF, to scale up Nigeria’s response,” a statement from the agency over the weekend said.
“In the absence of a vaccine, Nigeria and the rest of the world must depend on public health, social measures and supportive management of confirmed cases.
“We urge all Nigerians to take individual and collective responsibility by adhering to public health advice,” the statement said further.
Adedapo Adesanya