COVID-19: Bauchi State Reviews Lockdown, Allows Religious Gathering

…As state procures face masks, distributes palliatives 

BY ADEYEMI AKANJI, BAUCHI – The Bauchi State government has reviewed the lockdown imposed in the state which disallowed religious gathering in any form in the state.

A meeting of stakeholders in the State agreed on the review that has now allowed the resumption of religious activities with effect from Thursday, May 21, 2020. 

This followed what the stakeholders described as satisfactory level of the case management in the treatment of COVID-19 pandemic patients in Bauchi state thereby reducing the rate of infection and increase in the number of certified patients who have been discharged. 

Governor Bala Mohammed, who announced the decision of the Stakeholders on Wednesday at the meeting of the stakeholders held at the Command Guest House, Bauchi, said that the situation has been put under control. 

Governor Mohammed urged the participants at the meeting to assist the government in ensuring that the protective protocol put in place are adhered to strictly in order to be free from the infection, saying that with the present situation, religious gatherings can resume effective on Thursday, May 21, 2020. 

While commending the religious leaders and traditional rulers for their support and cooperation while the lockdown lasted, the governor stressed that whatever decision arrived at will be fully implemented as the World Health Organisation (WHO) has made it clear that the pandemic is here to stay. 

Mohammed also said that the government will procure face masks that will be distributed freely to the people and called on private organizations in the state to do same for their employees and families. 

He announced that the state government has procured palliative materials for which distribution has commenced in the three totally lockdown Local Government Areas namely Giade, Katagum and Zaki, adding that the other LGAs in the state will have their turns soon. 

With the review of the lockdown and religious gathering, it is expected that Muslims in the state will commence Friday Juma’at prayers as well as the Eid el Fitir celebration this weekend while Christians are to resume worship at their various worship centers on Sunday. 

All those in attendance at the meeting applauded the decision of the government and assured that they will abide and observe all the protocols of the protective measures put in place.