The Federal Government has lifted the ban imposed on churches, mosques and other places of religious gathering to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, disclosed this on Monday at a at a briefing of the presidential task force (PTF) on COVID-19,

Mr Mustapha, who is chairman of the PTF, said President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the relaxation of the ban for four weeks.

“The PTF submitted its recommendations and the PRESIDENT has approved the following for implementation over the next four weeks spanning 2nd – 29th June, 2020, subject to review.

“Cautious advance into the Second Phase of the national response to COVID-19; application of science and data to guide the targeting of areas of on-going high transmission of COVID-19 in the country;

“Mobilisation of all resources at State and Local Government levels to create public awareness on COVID 19 and improve compliance with non-pharmaceutical interventions within communities; sustenance of key non-pharmaceutical interventions that would apply nationwide and include: ban of gatherings of more than 20 people outside of a workplace.

“Relaxation of restriction on places of Worship based on guidelines issued by the PTF and protocols agreed by state governments,” Mustapha said.