Lagos state government lifts ban on religious activities, worship services to commence June 19

The Lagos state government has lifted the ban on religious gatherings in the state.

The ban was implemented as part of measures to contain the spread of the novel Coronavirus in the state.

At a press briefing this afternoon, the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said religious organizations in the state can be reopened from Friday, June 19th for the Muslims and June 21st for Christians. 

The governor stated that all religious gatherings must have not more than 40% of their congregation, and that persons below the age of 15 should be excused from places of worship while citizens that are above the age sof 65 should not be allowed into places of worship.

''From the 19th of June for our Muslim worshippers and 21st of June for our Christian worshippers, we will be allowing all of our religious bodies to open at the maximum of 40% of their capacity.

Even if your 40% capacity is so at large, you cannot have beyond 500 worshippers at once.

We will be encouraging people to have more than one service and to ensure that they keep there premises clean, disinfect before another round of worship can take place.

We will also be advicing that there should only be mandatory Friday and Sunday services. All other night vigils and services must be put on hold for now until we review our current situation.

Persons below the age of 15 should be excused from the places of worship and citizens that are above the age sof 65 should not be allowed into these places of worship.'

He said communion services where people share items to eat should desist. Also sharing of Kettles in mosques is prohibited.

The governor also announced that manufacturing companies in the state can now open for work between the hours of 7am and 6pm.

He instructed civil servants in the state on grade levels thirteen and fourteen to resume work from Monday, June 8, 2020, while those on Grade 1 to 12 are to remain at home till further notice.

The governor announced that hotels and all other hospitality businesses can now open for services while Restaurants outside hotels can open for takeaway services only.

Bars, cinemas, night clubs, spas, and other leisure parks remain closed for the next two weeks and non-essential interstate travels remain banned.

The governor said schools remain closed for now.