The Federal Government has issued fresh measures for the operations of mosques and churches.
The chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, made this known in a statement on Monday.
As part of the measures, the worship centres were asked not to exceed 50 per cent capacity of the facility of their venues.
He said, “The PTF has surveyed developments and actions taken by governments around the world, assessed our domestic environment, and has accordingly submitted its recommendations to Mr President on immediate measures to be taken.
“Accordingly, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has authorised the PTF to engage with the states and the FCT to assume full ownership of this stage of the response by deploying legal structures and resources, including enforcement to manage the pandemic within their jurisdictions.
“In line with the authorisation, the PTF wishes to issue the following advisories to sub-national entities for implementation over the next five weeks because these activities are considered super spreader events:
“Limit All gatherings linked to religious events to less than 50% capacity of the facility of use during which physical distancing; mandatory use of face masks shall be strictly enforced
Where more than 50 persons are attending, any such events, the gathering should be held outdoors only; close All bars, night clubs, pubs and event centres, and recreational venues;
close all restaurants except those providing services to hotel residents; takeaways, home deliveries and drive-ins shall remain closed; restrict all informal and formal festivity events including weddings, conferences, congresses, office parties, concerts, seminars, sporting activities, end of year events shall be restricted to not more than 50 persons.
“Public transportation systems are to carry passengers not more than 50 per cent of their capacity in compliance with social distancing rules. Enforce compliance with NPI protocols especially the advisory on wearing of face masks in public spaces.”