Religious Worship Centres in Ekiti to Reopen August 14; While Traditional Adherents Remain Indoors |The Source

By Ayodele Oni

Religious worship centres in Ekiti state got the nod  of the State Government to begin activities as from the 14th of August, but with a proviso.

Churches and Mosques are to adhere strictly to COVID-19 protocols. Children below 12 years and adults above 65, are exempted from attending services.

Governor Kayode Fayemi, in a broadcast on Wednesday in Ado Ekiti emphasised that traditional worshippers and their adherents are still barred from performing their annual rites.

“I still want to appeal that, as moral agents, and institutions reputed for discipline, religious centres must ensure the jointly-agreed protocols are adhered to, to protect the lives of worshippers as they go about their activities as from August 14, 2020.

“The key aspects of the protocols include, but not limited to the following: fumigation of the worship centres and their surroundings, maintenance of social distancing of six-feet apart, provision of infrared thermometer, provision of water for hand washing, provision of hand sanitizer and ensuring the windows and doors are wide open.

“The protocols also indicate that there should be no multiple services, and services must be concluded within two hours while children below 12 years of age and elderly people above 65 are not allowed to attend services or Sallat until further notice.

“For avoidance of doubt, only Friday Jumat for Muslims, Saturday Sabbath for Adventists and Sunday Services for other Christian denominations are allowed.

“Weekly and vigil services are not to hold in the meantime.

Similarly, all traditional worships or festivals that demand large gathering of devotees are suspended until further consideration.”