Nigerian newspapers · 17 June 2020
Sanwo-Olu suspends plans to reopen religious centres
Nigerian news from AbokiFX Rate
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has announced the suspension of the plan to reopen religious centers indefinitely. This, he explained, was inevitable due to the spike in COVID-19 cases in the state. He made this announcement on Tuesday at the Lagos House, Marina, while giving his 15th update on the pandemic.
According to Sanwo-Olu, Lagos state has gotten to the point where every resident must take responsibility for their safety. He added that the virus would only be defeated through “sensible personal decisions” taken by individuals on a daily basis.
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The governor noted that as of Monday, June 15, 2020, the state had recorded 7,319 confirmed coronavirus cases, with 82 fatalities and 1,137 recoveries.
According to him, Lagos state accounts for 44% of the total number of confirmed cases nationwide. He also added that the increase in infection was due to community transmission. He stressed that the earlier announcement that mosques could reopen from June 19 and churches, June 21 has now been put on hold indefinitely.
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“This is not a decision that we have taken lightly; it is simply in line with our ongoing evaluation of evolving scenarios regarding the course of the infection in Lagos State and the corresponding public health advisory guidelines issued by experts.
“So, let me say this again: we are now hereby suspending, with immediate effect, the plan to reopen religious houses and places of worship in Lagos State, until further notice.” Sanwo-Olu added that social centres, event centres and clubs would also remain shut.
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He urged residents to use face masks anytime they were out of their houses, stressing that people must avoid non-essential travel, and wash and sanitise their hands regularly.
“As a government, we will continue to do everything in our power to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the people, but that can only be effective when the people themselves act responsibly and do not behave in a manner that undermines public health guidelines and puts the society at risk,” he said.