CORONAVIRUS: LAGOS SUSPENDS RELIGIOUS GATHERINGS IN EXCESS OF 50 PEOPLE.{PHOTO}.#PRESS RELEASE.

     Arising from the recent increase in the number of people testing positive to the Coronavirus disease in Nigeria, the Lagos State Government has placed a restriction on all religious gatherings with more than 50 persons.

Speaking at an event convened for religious leaders, the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Elegushi reiterated the State Government’s decision that all residents must avoid congregating in large numbers to avert an epidemic of the disease, noting that the measure was taken as a proactive step to protect the lives of Lagosians.

Elegushi averred that the life of every resident is precious and the Government cannot afford a catastrophe in the area of health, considering the fact that the State has over 25million people.

The Commissioner alluded that the virus is no respecter of person, gender or age, hence the pragmatic decision to act fast and prevent any eventuality, affirming that the State Government will not relent in its massive sensitisation campaigns to further enlighten Lagosians to keep the disease at bay.

In his contribution at the event, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, Apostle Alexander Bamgbola commended the State Government for creating awareness about the disease and putting measures in place to combat it.

Bamgbola noted that the Church community will not relent in praying for God's intervention in curtailing the scourge.

In the same vein, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos Central Mosque, Sheikh Oluwatoyin Suleiman Abou-Nolla stated that all hands must be on deck to check the virus as an outbreak cannot be imagined.

A communique issued after the programme conveyed the decision that all large religious gatherings will be suspended for the next four weeks, advising that all health workers should be more vigilant, especially at the grassroots, while emphasising preventive measures.

The communique further proffered that the Federal government should shut all borders and put in place proper checks on those coming into the country through the land entry and exit points.

At the end of the ceremony, a committee was constituted to monitor the situation, review and report developments on a daily basis during the four-week suspension period.

Participants at the briefing included Christians from the five blocks of the Christian Association of Nigeria, the divisional Imams from the five divisions of the State and other religious stakeholders.