Ogun churches reopen, observe COVID-19 protocols

  Churches in Ogun State have resumed for the usual Sunday service amidst COVID-19 protocols. This followed the announcement by Governor ...

 

Churches in Ogun State have resumed for the usual Sunday service amidst COVID-19 protocols.

This followed the announcement by Governor Dapo Abiodun, on Friday, that worship centres be reopened after about four months of shutdown.

The Ogun State Government had ordered the closure of worship centres in March to forestall the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus.

As early as 7am on Sunday, sounds of drums and praises took over communities where churches are located in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Christians, who had missed Sunday services, were seen wearing face masks and trooping to church.

It was gathered that there was reasonable compliance to COVID-19 protocols by the churches.

At the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Victory Vineyard, Oluwo, Abeokuta, worshippers were screened with an infrared thermometer before entering the church premises.

Also, there was running water and soap for handwashing.

Inside the church, chairs were arranged in compliance with the social distancing order, as all congregants had their nose covers attached to their faces, even when singing.

The situation was the same at the Egba Anglican Diocese, Church of Epiphany, Oluwo junction road; New Heritage Baptist Church; Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT), Onikolobo; RCCG, Overcomers Tabernacle, Mercy Road; The Apostolic Church, Mango; the United African Methodist Church, Adigbe, all in Abeokuta.

Our correspondent reports that in churches with many congregants, multiple services were held to avoid violating COVID-19 protocols.

Also, services were kept brief, lasting for not more than 60 or 90 minutes.

It will be recalled that the state government had warned that services must not exceed one and a half hours.

He has urged all religious leaders in churches and mosques to obey the COVID-19 guidelines, warning that any worship centre that violates the same would be closed.

Meanwhile, Ogun State, as of Saturday night, has a total of 1,545 confirmed COVID-19 cases, the NCDC has revealed.

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