CAN Releases Guidelines For Churches To Follow Before Reopening

The Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN) has released guidelines to be followed by churches in the nation before reopening of worship centres.

Recall that the Federal Government on Monday lifted the ban placed on religious gatherings across the country.

The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, had stated this at the press briefing on Monday.

The president of CAN, Samson Ayokunle, in a statement released on Wednesday noted that churches are expected to start reopening in the first week of June after meeting the conditions.

He revealed that the guidelines are put in place to ensure that the reopening of churches does not cause an increase in Coronavirus cases.

He wrote, “That each church premises will be properly and thoroughly disinfected.”

“Each Church will make provision of alcohol-based sanitizers, soap and water for worshipers with the supervision by medical professionals.”

“There should be mandatory use of face masks in church premises.”

“Worshipers are to adhere to strict social distancing rules; one-metre gap in the sitting arrangement.”

“Every church should make provision for temperature readers to take the temperature of every worshiper before admission into the church.”

“People with high temperature should not be allowed into the church but be advised to go and see their doctors.”

“One and a half-hour service is enough for a start, with a gap of 25 or 30 minutes between one service and another where there are multiple services.”

“Handshaking and hugging should be avoided before, during and after the service.”

“Churches observing Holy Communion service are advised to use a separate cup for each participant.”

He also said that the CAN in each state and local government should constitute a committee together with law enforcement agencies in their area to enforce full compliance.