LASG suspends planned reopening of religious centers,event centers

Lagos State Government has suspended indefinately the planned reopening of religious centres and places of worship in the state scheduled for Friday, June 19 and Sunday, June 21 respectively due to the rising cases of coronavirus in the state.

This was announced by Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday at a press briefing at Alausa Ikeja.

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The Governor stated that the measure became necessary to curb the rise in the level of infections in the state and ensure that it is controlled.

His words:

“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 epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria, with about 44% of the total number of confirmed cases nationwide. Let me again say that the steady increase in a number of confirmed cases is by no means unexpected. Considering that the infection is now very much in our midst, the more we test, the more the number of positive cases that will emerge.’’

“Dear Lagosians, in the most recent guidelines which we issued on the gradual easing of the lockdown, based on the advice of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, I noted that we would shortly be permitting the restricted opening of religious houses, on the condition of strict compliance with detailed guidelines issued by the Lagos State Safety Commission.’’

 “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. “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.’’

The Governor implored residents to continue with the mandatory use of face masks in public places, avoid non-essential movements, stay at home when we have no business outside, and washing or sanitizing our hands regularly.

These according to him,”they are simple but necessary steps that will save and protect us. We cannot afford to be lax and lethargic about safety precautions at this time”.

“We will, as always, continue to keep you informed and updated on the decisions that are taken for our health and safety”.

“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 you the people of Lagos State. Therefore, until further notice, all places of worship in Lagos State will remain closed. Social and events centres, and social clubs, will also remain closed, for now.’’