BY: DAVID UKA,Abakaliki
In what appears a temporary review of the lockdown of the State over the coronavirus pandemic, the Ebonyi State Government has granted partial restoration of religious activities in the State, by allowing Churches in the State to hold services on Easter Sunday alone.
The State government also granted families yet to bury their dead ones to do so between April 9 and 20th, 2020.
Similarly, the State government also approved N1 billion naria, as palliative funds to aid citizens in the State to cushion the effect of the Covid 19 pandemic in the State.
The State Commissioner for Information and State Orientation and Ag Commissioner for Human Capital Development and Monitoring, Hon Uchenna Orji disclosed this to newsmen after the State Executive council meeting in Abakaliki.
He said the EXCO approved the release of N1bn for the procurement of 400,000 bags of 5kg rice and other food stuffs, and the production of 400,000 face masks as a take-off palliative measures for the vulnerable groups in the State.
“The release of the sum of One Billion Naira only (N1, 000, 000, 000. 00) for the procurement of 400,000 bags of 5kg rice and other food stuffs, and the production of 400,000 face masks as a take-off palliative measure for the vulnerable groups in the State”.
“The Governor in EXCO directed the immediate disbursement of the sum of Two Billion Naira (N2, 000,000,000.00) Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) facility for the empowerment of the youths and women in Entrepreneurship and vocational programmes”.
He also said worshippers are expected to attend their normal service only on Sunday for Christians and Friday for Muslims with effect from April 12, 2020.
The service is also expected to start from 8am and end by 12noon. While every worshipper shall wear a face mask and observe social distancing.
“With effect from Sunday 12th April, 2020, all religious worshippers shall be allowed to have their normal service every Sunday for Christians and Friday for Muslims, from 8am to 12 noon only, provided that:
“Every Worshipper must wear a face mask, including Handkerchief or Head tie.
“The service Centre must be provided with Hand Sanitizers and Running water for washing of hands.
“There shall be no religious gatherings other than on Sundays
” Pastor or officiating Minister that fails to enforce these precautionary measures or violates these regulations shall be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with Ebonyi State Coronavirus and Other Dangerous (Infectious) Diseases and Related Matters Law No 06, 2020.
“Churches are also encouraged to provide palliatives to their worshippers”.
He further said that before any burial should take place that the government should be notified through his office.
“Burial of loved ones shall be allowed to hold between 9th April, and 20th April, 2020 provided that:
“The State Government, through the office of the Honourable Commissioner for Information and State Orientation must be notified in writing”.
“Only the family members of not more than 20 persons shall attend.
“Organizers must ensure the provision of hand sanitizers, face masks, and running water for washing of hands and other precautionary measures.
“Government shall send representatives to such burials to ensure that the precautionary measures are complied with”. He said.
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