Nigeria

Covid-19: Low turnout as Lagos churches reopen after closure

Monday, August 10, 2020 at 1:00 PM by Rahaman Abiola

- Worshippers are not yet off the shock of Covid-19 months after lockdown on religious centres

- There were low turnouts in churches as Lagos lifted the ban on worship centres in the state

- Church-goers, however, adhered strictly to the Covid-19 safety protocols by maintaining social distancing and using face masks

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Despite the ban lift on worship centres by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos state government, churches and mosques recorded low turnout amid fear of Covid-19.

It would be recalled that Lagos state government on Saturday, August 1, announced that the ban on churches and mosques would be lifted effective from Friday, August 7.

Governor Sanwo-Olu made this known in an address where he gave updates on the efforts of the state government on Covid-19 crisis twenty weeks after the closure.

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Sanwo-Olu also announced that schools will be reopened for students in the graduating classes in the state on Monday, August 3.

Findings have, however, showed that fewer worshipers returned to churches on Sunday, August 9, though there were strict compliances with the safety protocols given by the government.

Covid-19: Low turnout as Lagos churches reopen after closure — Worshippers are not yet off the shock of Covid-19 months after lockdown on religious centres. Credit: The Nation.
Source: UGC

Members of churches who resumed worship used face masks, observed social distancing and washed their hands, while kids below 12 were sent back home.

According to NAN, a check on churches around Berger, Ojodu and Ogba areas of Lagos showed that many faithful were still held back.

At the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Solid Rock Parish and other churches, Sunday services commenced around 8:00 a.m with strict adherence to the safety protocols by the leaders and worshippers.

“Kindly check your temperatures and sanitise your hands at this point. You will not be allowed into this church if you decline the checks. Help us reduce your risk of coronavirus infection!," a notice at the Foursquare Gospel Church national headquarters read.