Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has lifted the ban on religious gatherings earlier imposed by the state government.
The Ebonyi State Government had imposed a ban on religious gatherings in April as part of efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the State.
The Government however reversed it’s decision through a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Uchenna Orji who said the ban has been lifted with immediate effect.
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He revealed that representatives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the state had put pressure on the state government to reopen religious centres.
He also advised the worship centre not to accommodate more than 500 people at a time.
“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.”
Ebonyi becomes the fourth state after Borno, Adamawa and Gombe to lift the ban on religious gatherings.