
Abia, Imo and Kogi states have relaxed restriction of movement ahead of the Easter celebration, an important feast in the Christian faith.
Abia Government on Thursday approved the relaxation of the ongoing seven-day lockdown in the state in connection with the upcoming Easter celebrations.
Secretary to the State Government, Mr Chris Ezem, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Umuahia.
He said said the new directive would allow free movement of people only within the state beginning from 6:00am on April 10 to April 12 at 2:00 pm.
He said the initial directive of the seven-day extension of the lockdown would continue from 3: pm on April 12 to April 17.
He explained that the relaxation order did not include public gatherings such as burial ceremonies, weddings, meetings, clubbing as the initial order on these activities remained valid and subsisting.
According to him, residents will be allowed to worship at their various churches and mosques but must strictly observe the guidelines given by the state government.
Ezem said the guidelines included congregation not exceeding 50 persons per stream of worship and maintaining a social distance of 1.5 meters.
“All worshipers must wear face masks while churches and mosques must provide a minimum of four points for hand washing with running water and soap.
“Hand sanitizers must also be provided at different points for the use of intending worshipers”.
Similarly, Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo has relaxed the ongoing lockdown in the state over Coronavirus pandemic on Friday to enable residents shop for food items for the Easter celebration.
A statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Mr Declan Emelumba on Thursday, said that food markets and food vending supermarkets would be allowed to operate from 6am to 6pm on Friday.
He urged the public to adhere strictly to the time allowed and ensure that they shopped only for food items.
He said boutiques and all other non food markets and outlets should remain closed.
“It should be emphasised that the free day tomorrow is for only shopping for food items and does not permit any other form of public gatherings for religious service.
“Our Muslim and Christian faithful should, therefore, note that they can only worship online or through the electronic media.
“The total lockdown of the state resumes with full force from Saturday April 11.
“Security agencies are under firm orders to ensure that the lockdown order is strictly adhered to and those caught in violation would be promptly arrested and prosecuted,” he said.
Also, the Kogi State government has lifted the social distancing order imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus on religious congregations in churches and mosques.
The government in a statement issued by the state commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo urged religious leaders to put in place measures that ensures safe gathering of worshippers.
The government directed that hand sanitisers must be provided for worshippers at the entrance of all churches and mosques.
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