The Governor of Ebonyi state, Mr. David Umahi has ordered immediate re-opening of religious centres in the state following weeks of total and partial lockdown including religious centers.
It would be recalled that the state government announced on all religious gatherings in the state to curb the spread of novel COVID-19 in April, 2020.
However, the state government in a press statement issued on Friday, by the state’s commissioner for information, Uchenna Orji announced the government’s decision to lift the ban with immediate effect.
The statement read in parts, “the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state had appealed for the opening of churches, while he urged the religious centres not to permit more than 500 worshippers”
“Religious centres in the state to re-open for worship once a week, effective from 15th May, 2020 under attendant conditions,” he said”.
“The commissioner further stressed that, Seventh Day Adventist and Muslim faithful are to observe their service on Saturdays and Fridays respectively from 9 am – 11 am.”
“No Religious Centre shall permit more than 500 people and worshipers shall observe a minimum of 2 meters social distancing from one another.”
“Wearing of face masks, washing of hands with running water and use of hand sanitizers must be strictly observed in all religious centres. No religious service is allowed to hold any other day other than the days specified herein and which must be in strict observance of all COVID-19 Laws and regulations, he added
“Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has a duty to close down any religious gathering and arrest the principal of the worship centre that violates this order.” he concluded.
