Bauchi State lifts ban on all religious gatherings

 

BY NICHOLAS ABE

Bauchi State, with 224 confirmed cases of coronavirus disease, has lifted ban on all religious gatherings earlier placed on the state.

Governor Bala Mohammed announced this during a stakeholders’ meeting with traditional and religious leaders, at the Command Guest House, Bauchi on Wednesday.

He said effective Thursday, Friday, and Sunday religious services can hold in the state.

Mohammed, who himself had earlier tested positive for the disease but recovered thereafter, said his decision to lift the ban was based on the successes recorded by his administration in curbing the spread of the coronavirus.

He said, “Judging from all I have seen, we want to look at it comprehensively to see how we can give a breathing space for our people. Allah has made it possible for this disease to nosedive and today, we have the least number from those in the hospitals and have been discharged.

READ: FG tells states to take ownership in fight against COVID-19

“The state government has suspended the total lockdown (in Katagum, Zaki, and Giade areas of the state) and partial lockdown from Thursday, May 21st, 2020 in the state, once it is agreed by all parties.

“Easing of the lockdown will be gradual with the lifting of the ban on Juma’at prayers and Church services on the condition that Imams and Clergies are mandated to ensure full compliance to regulation put in place to enable full re-opening of worship centres.”

Bauchi is in top six of 34 states and the FCT with COVID-19 cases, according to details on NCDC’s coronavirus index table. Out of the 224 confirmed cases of COVID-19 recorded by Bauchi, 112 cases have been discharged while 104 cases are active and remain on admission in hospitals. The state has so far recorded five deaths.