Pregnant women were barred on Sunday as churches in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, reopened, with most complying with the protocols to check the spread of coronavirus in the state.
In some of the churches visited, automated handwashing units, hand sanitisers and infrared thermometers were deployed.
Many churches also displayed the bold inscription, “No Mask No Entry,” at entrances, with officials taking the temperature of worshipers wearing facemasks.
Social distancing was observed by worshipers with stickers to show distance spacing.
At Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel) on Querry road in Abeokuta, three services were held with an impressive turn out of Christian faithful.
Security agents as well as members of the state task force on Covid-19 were present in many churches to monitor compliance. Pregnant women and children were not allowed into churches.
At St. Leo Catholic Church, Otun Abeokuta Diocese, a cleric, Lawrence Ogundipe, told reporters that only parishioners with face masks were allowed into the church to observe the holy mass.
Ogundipe added that parishioners all had their temperature checked and washed their hands before being granted access to the church.
He said messages had earlier been sent to parishioners through church platforms to inform them on the Covid-19 protocols and how the services would be conducted.
The cleric advised parishioners to adhere to government’s precautionary measures against Covid-19.
According to him, all government guidelines against the spread of the virus were fully observed during services.
At the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Jesus Centre Family, Omida area of Abeokuta, there was, however, a low turnout of Christian faithful.
The pastor in charge, Lakan Badru, expressed joy at having members back to church after over four months.
Badru appealed to members to use the reopening of churches as an opportunity to support the government in seeking divine intervention for an end to the pandemic.
He also urged members to comply with all government guidelines in order to flatten the Covid-19 curve.
