Ebonyi lifts ban on religious gatherings — 4th state to do so in 48 hours

David Umahi, governor of Ebonyi state, has lifted the ban on religious centres in the state.

In April, the governor had banned gathering at religious centres to curb the spread of COVID-19.

But in a statement in Friday, Uchenna Orji, commissioner for information, said the ban has been lifted with immediate effect.

He said 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,” the commissioner said.

“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.

“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.”

This is the fourth state to lift ban on religious gatherings in 48 hours. Borno, Gombe and Adamawa took a similar step earlier.