The Lagos State government has given a green light for the re-opening of churches and mosques as part of the review of protocols being used to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

“From 14 days’ time, precisely from June 19 for our Muslim worshippers and from June 21 for our Christian worshippers; we will be allowing all of our religious bodies to open at a maximum of 40 per cent of their capacity and we will be working with them as expected.”

Addressing a press conference on Thursday at the Government House in Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced that the government would be relaxing other measures in the coming days.

 “Dear Lagosians, we have completed an extended first phase and now, we are entering the second phase of our easing of the lockdown, in line with the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and NCDC protocols on ease of lockdown,” Sanwo-Olu said.

For places of worship with large crowds will be allowed worshippers not exceeding 500 persons during a session.

Authorities are allowed to conduct more than one service but must maintain proper hygiene of the environment.

According to Sanwo-Olu, only Friday and Sunday services should be held for now, stressing that all other regular services, including night vigils, must be put on hold.

“As we all know, mass gathering during COVID-19 pandemic can be of serious public health consequences and there are documented evidence that mass gathering can increase the spread of this virus,” he stated.

He said that hotels and other hospitality businesses could reopen, and restaurants outside hotels were permitted to open for takeaway services only.

He explained that the government has engaged critical stakeholders in the last two weeks, including traditional rulers, various religious leaders, and members of the organised private sector in the state.

Sanwo-Olu said, “We have now granted offices and private businesses (excluding the prohibited one); all of our organised private sector and manufacturing concerns will now operate and open from 7am-6pm.

“There is a strategy to encourage them run shifts and other flexible hours within their facilities.”

He said that all banks can now begin full operation. Lagos State public service officers on Levels 13 and 14 should resume work while those on Levels 1 to 12 would stay back home until further notice, he said.