The three states of the Northern part of Nigeria; Borno, Gombe and Adamawa states, on Thursday, May 14, have lifted the ban on religious activities despite the huge COVID-19 cases were recorded in the three states.
As of Thursday afternoon, May 14, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the total numbers of infections were recorded in Borno, Gombe and Adamawa states are 188, 119 and 21 respectively.
On Thursday evening, the Gombe State Government lifted the ban placed on religious activities.
Recall that on Wednesday, April 22 the ban was imposed to curb the spread COVID-19 in the State.
However, Governor Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, after a meeting with religious leaders on Thursday, directed that all congregational activities for social, cultural and religious purposes regardless of the number of persons participating in such events should equally be suspended.
Inuwa said places of worship must adhere to social distancing policy.
He warned that failure to adhere to social distancing order, use of face masks, frequent handwashing with soap and water would lead to re-imposition of the ban.
According to him, the ban had yielded results by helping to contain community spread of the virus.
He added that the religious leaders had given assurances that they would comply with all Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)’s protocols on the COVID-19 while opening Mosques and Churches across the state.
Also, in Adamawa State, the state Government has announced the end of ban placed on religious gatherings in the state.
The state government said the ban was lifted with immediate effect to allow religious bodies have their normal worship and services.
Humwashi Wonosikou, Chief Press secretary to Governor Umaru Fintiri, who made this known in a statement on Thursday also announced the discharge of five COVID-19 patients
He said they were discharged after testing negative for the virus, adding that all religious leaders should put in place preventive and precautionary measures in their various worship centres to curb the spread of the disease.
“Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri has eased the restriction on worship places and social gatherings earlier imposed on the state following the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic.
“Churches, Mosques and the international cattle markets under lockdown can now reopen.”
