Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Wednesday, announced that churches and mosques in the state worship centres would reopen from August 14.
Abiodun disclosed this while giving an update on the COVID-19 pandemic at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
He warned that any worship centre that failed to follow all the guidelines would be sanctioned appropriately, noting that even the scriptures stipulate obedience to constituted authorities.
Some of the measures put in place include mandatory use of face masks, sitting two metres apart, provision of hand washing facilities, amongst others.
Governor Abiodun said, “We urge our religious leaders to ensure that they abide by the measures mutually agreed upon and rolled out. As a government, we will not hesitate to impose severe sanctions, including, but not limited to, lockdown on any worship centre that fails to comply with the laid down guidelines. It is important to note that all religions obey God and the authorities of the land.
“Wearing of face masks in the public is now compulsory. Therefore, I hereby invoke powers conferred on me by Regulation 7 of the Infectious Diseases (Emergency Prevention) Regulations No. 2 of 2020 (the Regulations), made pursuant to Section 33 of the Public Health Law of Ogun State (the Law), to mandate the compulsory wearing of face masks by all persons in public as part of measures to prevent the rapid spread of the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19).
“Failure to do so is punishable by up to six months imprisonment under Regulation 8 of the Regulations and Section 68 of the Law.”
On the reopening of schools, Governor Abiodun said pupils in exit classes should resume on August 4 in line with the Federal Government’s directive to prepare for their examinations commencing from August 17.