Coronavirus: FG says Churches and Mosques to open but schools remain closed, here is why

Coronavirus: FG says Churches and Mosques to open but schools remain closed, here is why

The President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government of Nigeria has revealed that religious institutions Churches and Mosques can open but schools nationwide remain closed.

Highlights of the ease of lockdown are

1. Nationwide curfew remains in place, timing now 10pm—4am.

2. Full opening of financial sector – normal working hours

3. Restricted opening of places of worship, (regular church & mosque services ONLY), to be based on State Govt protocols.

4. Interstate travel remains prohibited except for goods &essential travel

5. Gathering of >20 persons remains prohibited;outside of workplaces + religious services

6. Aviation Industry requested to start developing protocols for domestic flights to possibly resume from June 21

7. Hotels may reopen

8. Restaurants outside of hotels must remain closed for eat-in—TAKEOUT ONLY

9. Bars, gyms, cinemas, nightclubs, parks closed until further evaluation

10. All schools to remain closed until further evaluation

11. Offices maintain 2m physical distancing + 75% max capacity

The Guidelines by the federal government will be enforced by the  State Governments with protocols observed.

Tolu Ogunlesi the Special Assistant to President Buhari on Digital & New Media gave reasons why religious institutions have been given permission to open but not schools.

The message on his Twitter account said,  “Schools closed but churches/mosques open: why?

“Here’s the PTF explanation, paraphrased by me:

“One of the goals of guidelines is to LIMIT EXPOSURE

“Religious houses opening limited to once a week (regular services only), few hours hours max; BUT schools are several hours DAILY.

“Also keep in mind (and this is my own argument) that if you open a church or mosque, there’s no disadvantage for those who choose not to attend. (Many will choose not to)

“If you allow schools open, there’s an automatic educational disadvantage for those who choose not to attend.”

Also keep in mind (and this is my own argument) that if you open a church or mosque, there’s no disadvantage for those who choose not to attend. (Many will choose not to)

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If you allow schools open, there’s an automatic educational disadvantage for those who choose not to attend.

— tolu ogunlesi (@toluogunlesi) June 1, 2020