COVID-19: Churches reopen in Kwara

Few weeks after Kwara State government closed religious centres against the possible spread of novel coronavirus, some churches in the state, on Sunday, reopened worships while others remained closed as clerics call for healthy living.

Tribune Online gathered that churches like Saint Barnabas Cathedral, Ilorin, Powerful Prayer Bible Church, Winner’s Church and others, which opened for worships, complied with the COVID-19 safety measures in their worship centres.

Some of these safety protocols, which include provisions for hand washing, hand sanitisers, infrared thermometer, wearing of face masks, keeping social distancing, and others.

Meanwhile, some churches like Baptist and Cherubim and Seraphim churches, among others remain closed, apparently because they could not meet some of the directives demanded by the government.

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The Kwara State Government had, on Wednesday, said worship centres may reopen as from Friday, June 5, 2020, on the condition that they satisfy certain criteria already agreed with various religious umbrella bodies in the state.

Some of the conditions had it that people above 65 years of age and children should keep away from worship centres and that the service should not be more than one hour.

Speaking with our correspondent in Ilorin the Bishop Kwara Diocese of Anglican Communion Rt. Revd Sunday Timothy Adewole said the country is not out of the woods, adding that there is need to observe all guidelines associated with the virus.

He said that churches and mosques should continue to pray to God to heal the land.

Also speaking, the General Overseer, Powerful Prayer Bible Church, Rev. Noah Adeosun said there is need to learn lessons from the virus outbreak, turn a new leaf and move closer to God, adding that the country is not out of the woods yet.

“There is a time for everything. What are we learning in this era? I know for sure that very soon everything will be over. However, there is a need for personal hygiene. We also need to put social life aside and get closer to God, sanctify your heart,” he said.

The government has, however, warned that the concession for churches and mosques to reopen does not mean that the state has flattened the curve of transmission of COVID-19 pandemic.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE