Borno residents can now attend mosques and churches as the state suspends lockdown
Despite the rising cases of COVID-19 in Nigeria, the Borno state government has called off the lockdown imposed on the state after it recorded its COVID-19 index case three weeks ago.
The deputy governor, Hon. Usman Umar Kadafur, who also serves as the chairman, Borno State Response Committee on Prevention and Control of COVID-19, said in a statement on Wednesday evening that the purpose of imposing the lockdown has been achieved.
He commended the people of the state for their cooperation and support while adding that the state association of Ulamas and Christian Association of Nigeria can now conduct services with strict adherence to social distancing.
“Henceforth, Juma’at prayers and five daily prayers shall be observed in all mosques as recommended by Borno State Council of Ulamas in strict adherence with the social distancing and the face mask,” he said.
“All churches shall conduct church services as recommended by the Christian Association of Nigeria, Borno Chapter in strict adherence to social distancing and use of facemasks.”
Civil servants in the state from grades 1-12 have been advised to continue to work from home unless they are directed otherwise. Kadafur added that the lockdown will be suspended indefinitely and will only be reverted if the situation escalates.
Borno is one of the most affected states in Nigeria with 188 recorded cases of COVID-19 which include 20 deaths and 20 recoveries.
Kadafur said the situation will be managed by strict adherence to the wearing of facemasks and social distancing.
