The federal government of Nigeria has restricted religious gatherings to 50 per cent capacity due to the COVID-19 surge.
According to an official statement from the presidency signed by the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 led by Boss Mustapha, made available to journalists on Thursday in Abuja, declared that indoor religious gatherings should be limited to 50 per cent with full compliance to public health measures.
The statement reads: “The Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 recognizes the importance of the Christmas and New Year celebrations for most Nigerians. As we prepare to celebrate with our families and loved ones, we must do so safely by taking the necessary precautionary measures to stop the further spread of COVID-19 in our country.
“The PSC wishes to remind Nigerians that we are now experiencing the 4th wave COVID19 as new cases have continued to rise in the country. This is the result of a mix of very low vaccination coverage, increased travels and movements, reduced compliance to public health social measures, and a highly transmissible Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant now circulating in the country.
“Indoor religious congregations should be limited to 50% capacity with full compliance to public health social measures; face masks and hand sanitisers should be used at all times regardless of vaccination status while in public spaces.
“Families are advised to limit the number of visitors to their homes and put in place precautionary safety measures. Any gathering in the excess of 50 people should be done in open spaces with physical distancing.
“Avoid non-essential interstate travel at this period as this increases the risk of spreading infection from one place to another. People who intend to travel are encouraged to take a rapid COVID-19 test to confirm their status as many infected persons are asymptomatic.
“Ensure that you have taken the full dose of COVID-19 vaccination including the booster dose to reduce your risk of severe infection and death in case of exposure to COVID-19.”
