Breaking nigeria on lockdown over coronavirus as reps urge ban on open worship

Breaking News: Nigeria on Lockdown Over Coronavirus as Reps Urge Ban on Open Worship

In a bid to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Nigerian government has announced a nationwide lockdown, effective from 11pm on Monday, March 30, 2020, to 6am on Monday, April 13, 2020.

The lockdown, which was announced by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, during a press briefing in Abuja, is aimed at preventing the further spread of the virus, which has already infected over 200 people in the country.

The Minister also urged Nigerians to stay at home and avoid non-essential travel, as well as to maintain social distancing and other preventive measures.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has urged the government to ban open worship services in the country until further notice.

The resolution was passed during a plenary session on Monday, March 30, 2020, following a motion moved by the Minority Leader, Ndudi Elumelu.

The motion was titled "Urgent Need to Ban Open Worship Services in Nigeria to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19" and was seconded by the Deputy Minority Leader, Toby Okechukwu.

The lawmakers argued that open worship services posed a significant risk to the spread of the virus, as many people gathered in close proximity, making it difficult to maintain social distancing.

The resolution reads: "The House of Representatives urges the Federal Government to ban all open worship services in Nigeria until further notice, in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect the lives of Nigerians."

The lawmakers also called on the government to provide adequate support to religious leaders and institutions to enable them to conduct online or virtual worship services.

The lockdown and ban on open worship services come as the number of COVID-19 cases in Nigeria continues to rise, with the country recording its highest daily increase of 22 new cases on Monday, March 30, 2020.

The Nigerian government has also announced plans to establish isolation centers in all states of the federation, as well as to provide medical supplies and equipment to healthcare workers.

In the meantime, Nigerians are advised to stay at home, avoid non-essential travel, and maintain social distancing and other preventive measures to prevent the spread of the virus.