Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu  has lifted the  ban on religious gatherings in the state.

Akeredolu  placed a  ban on religious gatherings as part of an effort to  contain coronavirus  spread in the state.

Akeredolu said  at a  press conference  at  Government House, Alagbaka, Akure on Wednesday  religious gatherings would be in line with  the preventive measures on  COVID-19.

According to him, the state government  discussed with religious leaders before  lifting the ban.

He said  “As agreed with religious leaders, in specific terms, worship centres  are to commence their main activities with effect from  Friday.

“Only weekly Friday Jumat services and Sunday church services will commence in the first instance. Other daily programmes within the week are not yet approved for takeoff.”

He added, “Religious leaders and administrators must ensure strict compliance with the   physical distancing  rules  in  places of worship. In the case of churches, not more than three people are expected to sit on a pew while the equivalent applies to the sitting positions in the mosques and other worship centres.

“Water and soap must be provided at all entries into the centres or halls of worship.

“All worshipers must be made to wash their hands in the pattern approved and practised since the beginning of the pandemic.

“Hand sanitisers must be provided and used by each worshipper at every entry point  and at other convenient points on the premises. All worshippers and workers inside the centres and on the premises must wear face masks properly  during  the duration of the service.

“Churches, mosques and other religious centres must regularly decontaminate and sanitise their  premises, facilities and equipment before and after the services.”

Akeredolu warned  that any religious centres that  failed to follow the stipulated guidelines would be shut down immediately.

He also announced that   four more  coronavirus cases had been recorded  in the state.

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