The need for churches to operate in a safe manner to curtail the widespread of community transmission of coronavirus amidst the herculean task of controlling worshippers prompted GOALPOACHER NEWS correspondent to take a trip around some areas in Ibadan metropolis to ascertain level of compliance from the congregation.
Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force had on 15th June,2020 lifted the ban placed on religious gatherings across the state with some conditions attached to the reopening of churches and mosques.
The conditions are, Mosques and Churches are operate at not more than 25% capacity, all worshippers are to compulsorily wear face masks. According to the statement released by the Makinde’s Chief Press Secretary, Taiwo Adisa, it added that “the situation will be reviewed within the first two weeks.”
However, many churches that had been under lock and key for more than two months were brought back to full activities this Sunday.
Churches along Iwo road, Best Way, Bashorun, Monatan, Akobo complied with the state government’s directives.
Churches that have capacity to accommodate over 500 worshippers allowed 30 worshippers in each of the sections demarcated with adherence to social distance and physical distance.
In one of the churches, Christ Apostolic Church,ushers were stationed at the entrance to check peoples’ temperature, while washing hand tools and sanitizers were also provided. In fact, the church didn’t observe “holding a partner during prayer’s session and the usual clustering and clapping was completely avoided.
Some churches also provided face masks for worshippers who had no face masks on them before they could be allowed into the congregation.
During praise and worship session, worshippers who weren’t comfortable with the face masks on them had to remove them to be able to sing conveniently.
Few churches however said they decontaminate the buildings the day after the government lifted the ban placed on religious gatherings.
