Martins said in the telecast: “If transportation, banking and other sectors would reopen and yet would be safe, we need to follow guidelines.
“Our leaders in government took this step in dialogue with stakeholders because those sectors are very important for the lives of people.
“Let me say dear brothers and sisters that the religious lives of people are also important. Many are truly suffering, spiritually, emotionally and psychologically.
“I believe it is important for our government to engage leaders of religious groups so that guidelines can be established for gradually unlocking our mosques and churches’ gates.
“I believe that religious leaders would be responsible in this matter and would ensure that guidelines for reopening that are mutually agreed are strictly adhered to.”
“That is why I believe it is not enough to simply say religious bodies remain banned. It is important rather to say the situation would continue to be reviewed.
He recalled that Sunday (May 10) marks the eighth Sunday that Catholics in Lagos had been unable to gather physically for mass, describing the situation as sad.
“The number of infections is rising and also the number of deaths is also rising. We are seeing an increase in community infections.”
On the need for the nation to reopen for business, the archbishop said: “However, our leaders in government have been able to recognise the fact that once a rat gets inside a house, the best thing to do is to set a trap for the rat, while you go about your life.
“I believe that was why they chose to relax the lockdown. But not just simply relaxing, but by setting out guidelines that must be followed if we are to remain safe and if the economy will be gradually reopened.”
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