Ebonyi Governor Approves Congregations Of Up To 500 As Churches, Mosques Reopen

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Dave Umahi has directed Churches and Mosques to reopen with not more than 500 members per service and for just once a week.

“All Churches are to observe their service only on Sunday from 9am to 11 am; Seventh Day Adventist and Muslim faithfuls are to observe their service on Saturday and Friday respectively from 9 am – 11 am,” the government said in a statement issued by Orji Uchenna Orji, Commissioner for Information.

The government stressed that worshipers shall observe a minimum of 2 meters social distancing from one another during service.

” Wearing of facemasks, washing of hands with running water and use of hand sanitizers must be strictly observed in all religious centres,” it added.

It also stated that the stipulated day assigned for the religious bodies shall be the only time of physical gathering and that it must be in compliance with the public health advisory on covid-19.

The government urged all religious bodies to create the awareness and also encourage their members to “participate in agriculture and other lawful means of livelihood.”

The statement further reads:

” 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

“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.

“Please be assured always of the Governor’s unwavering commitment to the course of our people.