The Lagos State Government has suspended the scheduled reopening of churches and mosques in the state given the current evaluation of coronavirus infections in the state.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State governor, said this on Tuesday during a press briefing at the state house, describing the decision as “a tough one.”
Mr Sanwo-Olu said since the announcement of June 19 as the date for reopening of religious centres on conditions that they will strictly comply with health guidelines, the state has been closely monitoring the situation and has now concluded that any form of re-opening cannot proceed.
“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.
“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 the experts.
“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,” Mr Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor said as of Monday, Lagos State had recorded 7,319 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection.
Of this number, 1,137 have fully recovered and been discharged, while 82 have died, leaving 6,100 active cases under management in the state, he said