As religious centres reopen for operations across Ekiti State today (Friday) after three and half months of closure due to COVID-19 , the Ekiti State Government has declared that only centres with coronavirus prevention facilities will be allowed to resume activities.
The state government said all the churches and mosques must comply with COVID-19 safety protocols to avert the spread of the deadly disease, saying provision of requisite facilities remains the prerequisite for reopening.
Governor Kayode Fayemi, had recently announced that all churches and mosques operating in Ekiti can commence operation on July 17 after the nationwide lockdown.
The Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Gbenga Agbeyo, who said this in Ado Ekiti, on Thursday, insisted that no religious centres would be allowed to resume without complying with the stipulated guidelines to curb the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
Agbeyo said part of the prerequisites is that religious centres must fumigate their premises, and provide running water in front of their buildings to ensure regular hand washing .
“Others also include: use alcohol based hand sanitizers, ensure they wear nose covers, make available infrared thermometers for body temperature measurements and maintain social distancing”.
Debunking the rumour of payment of N2,000 for issuance of certificate after fumigation, the commissioner said : “The ministry had met with the leadership of the religious bodies including CAN and they have agreed to bear the cost of fumigating their premises themselves as certificates will be issued to them at no cost”.
He stressed the commitment of the present administration to the welfare and well-being of Ekiti people, adding that government would continue to protect the lives of the people.
Speaking on social distancing in marketplaces, Agbeyo said, “Government was working on Awedele, Agric Olope and Irona markets to accommodate more people to give room for social distancing.
The Ministry’s boss, therefore, urged all stakeholders to follow the guidelines of COVID-19 so as to curb the spread of the pandemic.
