The Government of Niger Republic has announced an end to a curfew imposed on its capital city, Niamey amid the COVID-19 pandemic, while also announcing that places of worship can reopen.
The government decided to allow for the reopening after churches and other religious gatherings have been closed down since late march to curtail the spread of COVID-19. The decision to reopen was taken after meeting with the country’s COVID-19 expert committee.
They said, “The government, after receiving proposals from religious leaders and after consultation with the Covid-19 experts’ committee, and in the light of the favourable trend of Covid-19 disease development, has decided to reopen places of worship as of Wednesday, In the event of any deterioration of the COVID-19 pandemic in connection with the reopening of places of worship, the government reserves the right to reconsider this decision“
The government of Niger republic also advised the religious leaders to adhere to guidelines and be sure to disinfect their buildings before any gatherings, while maintaining physical distancing and using a face mask at all times, noting that the curfew could be imposed again if the situation deteriorates.
The country currently has 860 cases with 49 deaths recorded as of 14th May.