With the press briefing on Covid-19 update by Lagos State government on Saturday, it appears there would be light at the end of tunnel soon regarding the return of activities at the religious circle.
Before now, there has been conflict of information about the opening of worship centres in the state which has subjected the government to criticism by some religious fanatics, who believed the continuous shutting down of activities in churches and mosques was an attempt to witch-hunt worshippers.
The Lagos State governor had about three weeks ago attempted to lift the restriction when things appeared to be getting better regarding the pandemic. But before the commencement of the activities, there was an unusual spike in the covid-19 figure recorded in Lagos state.
Immediately, the state government reversed it's decision and everything returned to the statusquo.
But on Saturday, August 1st, Governor Sanwo-Olu while giving a live press briefing on Covid-19 said the worship centres should return to their activities with effect from August 7th, 2020.
He however, noted that they will have to operate at 50 percent capacity for now. Governor Sanwo-Olu insisted that the use of face mask and hand sanitizer is compulsory.
He also advised the religious leaders to encourage the use of online transactions as mode of Tithes and Offerings payment.
Other restrictions that were lifted include restaurants which was declared to start operating from 14th of the month. Schools to reopen on August 3rd with exit classes to be admitted first in order to write their exams.
However, strict guildlines were put in place to ensure that the decision is not backfired at the end of the day.
Although, the covid-19 record in Lagos is still on the rise but it is obvious that the economy can not close in perpetuity. Something has to be done and that is exactly what the governor has just done.
If every Lagosian could adhere to the covid-19 protocols while going about their daily activities, the chance of defeating the pandemic especially in Lagos is relatively high.
As churches and mosques are set to return to the normal activities, it is hope that the gains which had been recorded in the last five months of fighting the dreaded disease is not compromised on the altar of excitement.
It should be noted that coronavirus is still on the rise and yet to be defeated but churches and mosques cannot be locked permanently. Life must go on while the struggle to rid the country of the pandemic continues. That is the whole essence of the reopening.
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