Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has approved a slight relaxation of the extended 7 Day Lockdown in the State to accommodate the Easter Celebrations.
A release signed by the Secretary to Abia State Government and Chairman of the COVID-19 Committee, Abia State, Barrister Chris Ezem said there would be free movement of people within the State ONLY between the hours of 6am on Friday, April 10(Good Friday) and 2pm on Sunday, April 12(Easter Sunday), 2020.
The release noted that religious worshippers shall be free to worship at their various churches and mosques but must compulsorily observe the following guidelines:
“1. Not more than 50 persons per stream of worship and a social distance of 1.5m must be maintained.
2. All worshippers MUST wear face mask.
3. Churches and Mosques MUST provide a minimum of 4 points for handwahsing with running water and soap.
4. Hand sanitizers MUST also be provided at different points for the use of intending worshippers.”
According to the release, “The State and Local Government Enforcement Teams and Security Operatives shall continue to move around to ensure strict compliance.
“Governor Okezie Ikpeazu hereby enjoins all religious worshippers to use this period to pray for God’s intervention and mercy upon our dear State Abia, our nation Nigeria and the entire world over this dreaded pandemic,” it added.
Ezem made it clear that the relaxation order DOES NOT extend to Public Gatherings such as burial ceremonies, weddings, meetings, clubbing, etc. The initial order on these activities remain valid and subsisting maintaining that all our State borders remain closed and Security Operatives must continue to ensure strict compliance.
“All public places allowed to operate like Supermarkets and Malls MUST NOT entertain more than 10 persons at a time subject to differences in size and must maintain minimum STANDARDS of hygiene by providing handwashing materials, sanitizers and digital thermometers.
Government shall immediately shut down any business concern that flouts these directives.
The Governor urges all Abians, as a matter of collective responsibility, to be vigilant at all times and report any suspected case of COVID-19 around their environs.
Finally, the 7 Day Extension shall continue from 3pm on Sunday, April 12 to Friday, April 17, 2020.
“Government appreciates Ndi Abia, all Frontline Service Providers, and all those on Essential Services for their support and sacrifice at this difficult period, and encourages all and sundry to continue to support the Government fight against the pandemic by complying with all professional advice, safety tips and government directives throughout this period, the statement concluded.
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