Lockdown Easing: Churches, Mosques, Organizations Told To Submit Guidelines

Churches, Mosques and Organizations in Nigeria have been called by the Director-General of the Nigeria Centre For Disease Control, Chikwe Ihekweazu, to submit guidelines for reopening.

The call was made in Abuja on Thursday during the press conference of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.

Ihekweazu further stated that the agency received a draft of guidelines on Wednesday by the Public Transport Owners of Nigeria Association to reopen interstate transportation while curbing the spread of the coronavirus.

The NCDC boss added that as the federal government considers easing more phases of lockdown in coming weeks, churches, mosques and organizations should submit guidelines on the process of safely reopening the economy.

Ihekweazu said, “I was happy on Wednesday to receive a new set of draft guidelines by the Public Transport Owners of Nigeria Association. Those are people that manage the long-distance buses that travel across the country, what we call ‘luxury’ buses.”

“They drafted their own guidelines for reopening safely and sent it to us for review.”

“They are also seeking our advice on the measures they are recommended and how to manage their loading centres, buses and engagements with their customers at the point when we may allow them to reopen.”

He noted that though NCDC has its guidelines and advice, it is willing to engage with leaders of organizations on how to reopen the economy while curbing the spread of COVID-19.

“Every society, organisation, community, be it faith-based, cultural-based, professionally based, have been advised to come up with guidelines for themselves.”

“We are happy to advise and engage every organisation but this needs to be led and owned by the leaders of those organisations.”