Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Akwa Ibom State Chapter has set guidelines for church authorities as the State will soon reopen churches for religious activities.
It could be recalled that Akwa Ibom State Government had ordered for a total closure of churches and all its activities to contain the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the State, early March.
However, to open up churches these are some of the agreed conditions by CAN Akwa Ibom State from information gathered:
1) Sanitizers must be positioned at every entry and outlets.
2) Physical distancing must be observed strictly
3) Preachers are to wear face masks
4)No sharing of microphone by officials
5)No gatherings after service inside or outside the church
6) No shaking of hands or hugging in or outside the church
7)No sharing of communion cups
8)No air-conditioning system should be on, only natural ventilation
9)No clapping, no spirit estasy show and no dancing
10)No feasting in or outside the church before or after service
11)No flagging of handkerchief
12)No house fellowship in church
13)No queuing or dancing to put offerings in boxes.Bags are to be moved round
14)No tarry nights or prophetic wonder services
15)No service should be more than 2 hours
16)No guests except immediate parents during marriage solemnization
17)No waiting after church ceremony
18)No sharing of microphones by choir members
19)No another immediate service after the first, except hours after sanitizing the church
20)All decorative railings must be sanitized and many more not listed.
Expectedly, It is believed that reopening churches and mosques as the case maybe shall be highly heralded by religious leaders, and believers.
Notably, in the past few weeks a greater percentage of Akwa Ibom populace were agitating for the reopening of churches and the decision of Akwa Ibom State Government to open up religious houses shall be seen as a welcome development.
Certainly, Church is said to be the embodiment of christ and the gate of hell shall not prevail against it.
