COVID-19: Umahi approves resumption of religious gatherings, issues further directives

Following appeal by worshippers, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr Chief David Umahi, has ordered the resumption of religious gathering in the state from today.

In a statement signed by the state Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji, and made available to Paulokahblog Friday afternoon, Umahi directed that the resumption of religious activities is with immediate effect.

He, however, cautioned the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state to be vigilant in ensuring that worshippers adhere to measures put in place to control the COVID-19 pandemic from further spread in the state.

The statement reads in part: "In response to the passionate appeal made by the leadership of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ebonyi State chapter, and some of our revered bishops that religious centres be re-opened for worship, under strict observance of COVID-19 policy and state laws, and having prayerfully reviewed the request and in consultation with state leaders, the Governor hereby directs that religious centres in the state be re-opened for worship once a week: effective from 15th May, 2020.

"All churches are to observe their service only on Sunday from 9am to 11 am. Seventh Day Adventist and Muslim faithful are to observe their service on Saturday and Friday, respectively, from 9am– 11am. No religious centre shall permit more than 500 people (in the case of big churches) and worshipers shall observe a minimum of 2-meter social distancing from one another.

"Wearing of facemasks, washing of hands with running water and use of hand sanitisers 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: "CAN has a duty to close down any religious gathering and arrest the principal of the worship centre that violates this order. The Governor requests all religious bodies in the state to use this opportunity of window of worship to create awareness among their members on the protocols, policies, laws and regulations regarding COVID-19 and to pray for our dear state and Nigeria.

"They are also enjoined to use the opportunity to advise their members to aggressively participate in agriculture and other lawful means of livelihood. CAN leadership and Anti- COVID-19 Committee on Religious Centres are requested to please mount strict monitoring of all religious centres in the state and ensure strict compliance and discipline among them."

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