The Federal Government has announced new restrictions to indoor religious gatherings, pegging such meetings at 50 per cent capacity with full compliance to public health measures.
The presidential steering committee on COVID-19 announced this on Thursday in a statement signed by its chairman Boss Mustapha, who is also secretary to the government of the federation.
The new restrictions mean that crossover services held majorly in churches on the night of December 31 to usher in the New Year will be half full.
“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, it is important that we do so safely by taking the necessary precautionary measures to stop the further spread of COVID-19 in our country,” the statement read.
The committee said its decision was premised on the fact that Covid-19 cases are rising significantly.
It added that it may be forced to introduce more restrictions if need arises.
“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 highly transmissible Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant now circulating in the country.
“Indoor religious congregation 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,” the statement added.
The committee advised that interstate travel should be avoided. It also encouraged the public to take the full dose of COVID-19 vaccination including the booster shot.
