COVID-19 Coordinator replies Oyedepo, Oyakhilome when churches would be reopened

The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 has explained that markets and shops are allowed to open because of commercial activities. 

The National Coordinator of  COVID-19,  Dr. Sani Aliyu while answering questions on Thursday in Abuja,  said that the easing of the lockdown is to allow for minimal economic activity, and not for entertainment,  hence churches remain under lock and key. 

Dr. Aliyu made the clarification when he was asked by a journalist to respond to calls from Bishop David Oyedepo and Pastor Chris Oyakhilome for churches to be opened since markets have been allowed to function.

Recall Bishop Oyedepo had queried the logic behind allowing a market to open which according to him is not orderly, and closing a church which he said is more orderly.

“It is important for us to know that the easing of the lockdown does not mean that COVID-19 has been defeated. It is purely to allow for economic activity to go on, while at the same time the public is protected,” Dr. Aliyu said.

“We have allowed markets to open three times a week between 8 am to 3 pm, the same applies to the abattoir. We have also allowed the supermarkets to open between 8 am and 3 pm as well as eateries.

“…and the same way we have banned bars, clubs, gardens, entertainment centers, etc. While we have allowed this relaxation, at the time we put in place some enforcement, for example, we are making sure we don’t have more than 20 people congregating.

“It must be noted that these measures are not put in place for the PTF, but for the general good of the public, our health, and our well being.”