THE Lagos State Government has reversed its earlier approval to partially re-open churches, mosques, viewing and relaxation centres in the state.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos state, announced the indefinite suspension of his earlier order to worship centres to resume services during the 15th news conference at the State House, Marina, where he gave an update on Lagos Coronavirus (COVID-19) response.
The governor had earlier directed worship centres, which were shut over coronavirus pandemic, to reopen but under strict guidelines.
He had said while mosques would reopen on June 19, churches would resume activities on June 21.
But on Tuesday, the governor reversed the decision, saying worship centres should remain shut to check the spread of the virus.
With 7,317 cases, Lagos has the highest number of infections in Nigeria.
The State has recorded between June 1 and 15, 2,376 COVID-19 cases were. Sanwo-Olu said: “As at midnight yesterday, June 15, 2020, Lagos State had recorded a total of 7,319 confirmed cases of Covid-19.
“Of this number, 1,137 have fully recovered and been discharged, while 82 have sadly died, leaving 6,100 active cases under management in the state.
“Our dear State therefore continues to be the epicenter of the coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria, with about 44 per cent of the total number of confirmed cases nationwide.
“Let me again say that the steady increase in number of confirmed cases is by no means unexpected. Considering that the infection is now very much in our midst, and testing capacity has increased, the more we test, the more the number of positive cases that will emerge.
“The uplifting news is that, based on the statistics emerging from Lagos State, more than 90 per cent of the people who test positive will go on to fully recover under supervision, and be discharged.”
The governor stated that the reopening of religious and social centres had to be suspended because if this development.
He said: “We have been closely monitoring the situation since then, and have now concluded that we cannot proceed with any form of re-opening for places of worship in Lagos State, until further notice.
“So, let me say this again: we are now hereby suspending, with immediate effect, the plan to re-open religious houses and places of worship in Lagos State, until further notice.
“We will continue to monitor the situation closely, and continue to base our decision-making on data modelling; as well as on the responsibility we have to act in a manner that ensures the protection of all of you the people of Lagos State.
“Therefore, until further notice, all places of worship in Lagos State will remain closed. Social and events centers, and social clubs, will also remain closed, for now.”
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