Omicron: FG Reduces Religious Gatherings To 50% Capacity

Following the rising cases of COVID-19 in the country, the Federal Government has disclosed that religious gatherings will be reduced to 50 percent capacity.

Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation directed that the restriction must be adhered to with full compliance to public health measures.

He stated that there has been reduced compliance to public health social measures which has led to increased COVID-19 cases in the country.

Mustapha, however, added that it may be forced to introduce more restrictions should there be an increase in cases.

The statement reads: “Nigeria is now experiencing the 4th wave COVID-19 as new cases have continued to rise. 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.

“Avoid activities that involve mass gathering especially in enclosed spaces, as follows; Families are advised to limit the number of visitors to their homes and put in place precautionary safety measures; any gathering in excess of 50 people should be done in open spaces with physical distancing.

“Indoor religious congregation should be limited to 50 percent capacity with full compliance to public health social measures; and face masks and hand sanitisers should be used at all times, regardless of vaccination status while in public spaces.

“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 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.

“Seize the opportunity provided by the mass-vaccination campaign to ensure that your family and loved ones receive their COVID-19 vaccines including the 3rd dose (booster shot) at the nearest vaccination centre.”