Zamfara, Nasarawa, Adamawa Relax Ban on Religious Gathering
POLITICS DIGEST– Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara has lifted the ban on congregational prayers in Mosques and Churches placed to curtail spread of the coronavirus in the state.
Matawalle made the announcement in a statewide radio broadcast on Thursday in Gusau, commending the people of the state for supporting the government in its effort to contain the spread of coronavirus by complying with the lockdown orders.
“In the light of this, therefore, we are suspending restrictions on congregational prayers in Mosques and Churches while appealing to people not to converge in large numbers at the same time,” he said.
Matawalle urged the people to continue to observe social distancing as well as constant use of face masks to prevent spread of the virus.
The governor however, said markets in the state would remain closed until further notice, warning that the government would not take it lightly with violators of the orders .
Nasarawa State is set to relax its ban on religious gathering, just as three new cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have been confirmed in the state.
However, four persons, including the index case, have been discharged after testing negative following treatment in isolation.
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The State Security Council led by Governor Abdullahi Sule made this known to journalists yesterday after an expanded meeting at Government House, Lafia.
According to the governor, in a week’s time, when all the protective equipment must have been provided for the citizens, the state may relax restrictions on places of worship.
Sule cautioned that the relaxation of restrictions should be with strict adherence to preventive regulations, including physical distancing.
Further, restriction on shops other than those selling foodstuffs outside the markets has been relaxed from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m. daily across to state, with provision for handwashing and sanitising of hands.
Meanwhile, in Adamawa State, Muslims and Christians have resumed religious activities as Governor Ahmadu Fintiri has eased restriction on public worship.
The governor, though with certain conditions, also lifted the ban on social gatherings earlier imposed as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Fintiri stated yesterday through his Press Secretary, Humwashi Wonosikou: “Churches, mosques and the international cattle markets under lockdown can now reopen.”
He however listed conditions that include social distancing with no more than 50 persons at a time, provision of hand sanitisers or handwashing facilities and temperature checks at the point of entry.
