Imams and pastors in Osun state are in a happy mood as there will be activities at religious centres in the state for two weeks.
Further actions by the government will be determined by people’s compliance with the guidelines.
Governor Adegboyega Oyetola who announced the decision penultimate Wednesday after holding separate meetings with Christian and Muslim leaders in the state also released the guidelines and rules that must be followed by worshippers at the religious centres.
‘Jumat service including khutbah (sermon) and prayers must not exceed 20 minutes.
Vulnerable individuals such as those from age 65 and above and people with underlying ailments such as tuberculosis and diabetes are to continue to worship at home’ he said.
Premises of churches and mosques must also according to him be fumigated to ensure that the environments are virus- free.
‘Worshipers are to keep reasonable space in churches and mosques and no worship centre must be filled to capacity during any service and solat, respectively.
Attendance at any service or solat must not exceed one-third capacity of the church or mosque.
There should be provision of washing facilities or sanitizers for worshipers before entering the churches and mosques.
Wearing of face masks is also important, sharing of worship devices such as microphones and other musical gadgets should be discouraged. Water and food distribution during service should not be allowed.
Worshippers must avoid exchange of banters and social distancing must be strictly observed.
Windows in churches and mosques should be opened during worship for ventilation.
Signage and notices should be placed at strategic locations to remind worshippers of best hygiene practices to be observed’ he stated.
Oyetola also mandated churches and mosques to provide thermometers to check temperature of worshippers, adding that whoever has high temperature should not be allowed into the worship centres.
The governor added that vigils and children activities remain suspended, and that worship centres with support of security operatives should set up taskforce to enforce compliance with measures put in place by the government.
He, however, appreciated the leadership of the two religions for their cooperation and understanding since the lockdown began in the state.
‘We seek your continued cooperation so that we can together save our people from this deadly outbreak’ he stated.
The imams and pastors have not been able to hold services at the worship centres in the state for about two months now because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
