Borno Suspends Lockdown, Opens Mosques, Churches

The Borno State Government has suspended the lockdown it declared to curb the spread of COVID-19.
It has also relaxed the ban on religious gatherings. It however said physical distancing must be observed in mosques and churches.
Meanwhile, the ban on Eid prayers are still in force.
Umar Kadafur, Deputy Governor and Chairman of the state COVID-19 response committee, made this known in a statement.
According to him, the “stringent measures” taken to limit the spread of the coronavirus “yielded the desired results”, as the state had recorded “significant progress” in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Henceforth, Jumma’at prayers and five daily prayers shall be observed in all mosques as recommended by the Borno State Council of Ulamas in strict adherence with social distancing and the use of face masks,” the statement read.
“All churches shall conduct church services as recommended by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Borno Chapter in strict adherence with social distancing and use of face masks.
“Government has considered the recommendation of the Borno State Council of Ulamas which clearly states that Eid prayers is Sunnah (non obligatory), hence there should be no Eid prayers. Faithfuls should remain at home during the period.”
The government added that public gatherings  such as funerals, weddings, naming ceremonies and others must not have more than 20 persons in attendance.