As the second phase of eased lockdown ends today, the Nigerian Medical Association, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives as well as the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria spoke on reopening of worship centres just as the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 said in the next phase of the battle against the virus, states would handle cases.
The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), had on April 27 announced a “phased and gradual easing” of the lockdown declared to curtail the spread of COVID-19. He also declared a nationwide curfew with effect from May 4.Two weeks after, on May 18, the Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, announced that the President had approved that the “phased and gradual easing” be extended by another two weeks.
Mustapha, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said at the time that in spite of the modest progress made, Nigeria was not yet ready for full opening of the economy “and tough decisions have to be taken for the good of the greater majority.”
During the eased lockdown, the PTF said schools, churches, mosques, and hotels remained shut, but some state governments, including Kano and Katsina, allowed the opening of worship centers during the last Sallah celebration.
Even with the extension of the eased lockdown, COVID-19 cases in the country increased to 9,855 cases on Saturday. No fewer than 2,856 patients have recovered from the virus, while 273 have died.
Already, religious groups, including the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, have been meeting the government in preparation for the reopening of mosques and churches.
