As the Kwara state government lifts ban on religious gathering in the state, Muslims who intend to pray in mosques have been advised to perform ablution from their houses to curb the spread of covid-19.
The Deputy Governor of the state, Kayode Alabi, gave this advice when he met with religious leaders in the state on the modalities for the reopening of religious houses in the state.
He said the state government has given the go ahead for worship centres that wish to reopen on Friday on the condition that they satisfy the criteria already agreed.
According to Alabi,“Worship centres shall be organised in such a way that one attendant is at least one metre away from the next.
“Each worship centre shall make provisions for hand washing or hand sanitisers, and infrared thermometer.
“Wearing of face masks shall be mandatory for all worshippers.
“There shall be no hand shaking or hugging among worshippers.
“Children remain restricted from worship centres. People above 65 or persons with underlying health conditions are urged to stay away from worship centres
“Muslims should perform ablution from their houses. Ablution spots are not allowed for now to avoid the spread of the virus.
“Muslim women are to stay away from mosques, as suggested by the leadership of the Muslim community in the state; each worship centre is to dedicate a few minutes before service or prayers to educate attendants about COVID-19 and its dangers; adequate ventilation is to be ensured at each worship centre.
“Government’s officials shall conduct random visits to worship centres to take samples and do temperature checks.
“Government shall hold affected religious leaders responsible for non-compliance with all COVID-19-related safety measures in their worship centres. This is as agreed by the religious umbrella bodies.
“Government demands full compliance with all protocols as failure to do so is a huge drain on public resources.
“The leadership of religious communities agreed that any worship centre that violates these provisions would be shut down and its leadership strictly held accountable.”
He however warned that the reopening does not mean that the state has flattened the curve of transmission of COVID-19 pandemic.
