Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu have declared the reopening of Worship Centres across the state. Akeredolu made this declaration on Wednesday, May 27, at his weekly address to the people of the state at the Government House Grounds, Akure, on the latest Covid-19 developments in the state. This, according to the governor, is in adequate attendance to the spiritual and psychological wellbeing of the people.
In the address, the Governor also noted with deep regret, the sad loss of a coronavirus patient; bringing the total number of deaths in the state to two. A breakdown of the Covid-19 figure in the state; according to the governor, revealed that 432 persons have been tested so far, 24 are currently on admission, 19 have been treated, 2 deaths, and 156 ongoing contact-tracing. The governor lamented that the greatest threats to the government’s efforts in fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, are the poor responses of the people in observing the recommended and hygienic set-guidelines.
In this light, the Governor charged every resident of the state; in their personal capacity as responsible citizens; to take ownership and ensure everyone observes the measures put in place for combating the Covid-19.
With the pronouncement of the resumption of worship activities, religious worships are to however be guided and syndicated. In this light, only weekly Friday Jumat Services in Mosques and Sunday Services in Churces will take place, henceforth. This is to be done with strict compliance to the observance of guidelines set for combating the Covid-19 like social distancing, hand washing, proper use of nose-masks, and other hygienic measures to be put in place. The Governor, nontheless, made it clear that any Worship Center that breaches these set-guidelines, would be closed down permanently, till the Covid-19 pandemic is over.
“As agreed with religious leaders, in specific terms, worship centers are to commence their main activities with effect from this Friday. However, such approvals are not blanket and without restrictions, rather they are to be guided by the following which are derived from the general response protocols on COVID-19 nationally”.
“Only weekly Friday Jumat services and Sunday Church services will commence in the first instance. Other daily programmes within the week are not yet approved for take off”.
