Niger reopens mosques and churches

Niger has further relaxed coronavirus restrictions, allowing mosques and churches to reopen from Wednesday.

Places of worship had been closed for nearly two months as part of measures to contain the spread of the virus.

The authorities say they are reopening them because the situation has improved. But worshipers have to adhere to social-distancing rules, wear face masks and regularly wash their hands.

Mosques and churches must also be disinfected before prayer sessions or services.

A dusk-to-dawn curfew in the capital, Niamey, has also been lifted. But hotels, airports and land borders remain closed.

In a statement, the government warned that mosque and churches could be closed if the situation deteriorates.

Niger has confirmed a total of 854 coronavirus cases..

Senegal reopened places of worship on Tuesday and reduced the hours of its night-time curfew.

-BBC-