Yuletide celebration: FG slashes religious gatherings by 50% capacity
…Threatens to impose additional restrictions on crossover services
Abimbola Abatta and Uthman Salami
The Federal Government on Thursday restricted indoor religious gatherings to 50 per cent with full compliance to public health measures as Christians across Nigeria celebrate Christmas.
The development, which is also bound to disrupt the annual crossover services held by religious organisations, was declared by the Boss Mustapha led Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, revealed the development in a statement signed by him and made available to journalists in Abuja.
On every new year’s eve, December 31st, Christian religion organisations often hold crossover services.
It is a significant period for Christians to express gratitude to God for the blessings of the previous year while they pray for a much more productive new year.
Since the crossover services often record an increase in the number of attendees, the Presidential Steering Committee explained that it was necessary to take precautionary measures to stop the further spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria.
The PSC, citing reduced compliance to public health social measures which has led to increased COVID-19 cases in the country, as a rationale behind the decision, added that it may be forced to introduce more restrictions should there be an increase in cases.
The statement reads, “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 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.
“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.”
