The Akwa Ibom State Government has directed that no religious gathering in the state should exceed 20 worshippers, including pastors and choir members irrespective of the size of the congregation.
This directive was to allow people of the state commemorate Easter amidst the lockdown order due to Corona virus pandemic.
In a press statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, the state government said all worshipers must use hand sanitizers at the church entrance and must wear face masks while in church.
It said sitting arrangement must be Social Distancing compliant while Infrared thermometers should be used at church entrance doors, noting that any worshiper whose body temperature is above 38 degrees Centigrade should promptly be referred to the nearest healthcare facility.
The statement reads partly, ‘In the spirit of the Easter season, Akwa Ibom State Government has approved guidelines for religious activities on Last Supper (Thursday), Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday as follows:
” All Religious gatherings MUST Not be more than 20 worshipers, including the Pastors and Choir, per church; irrespective of the size of the church. Sitting arrangement must be Social Distancing compliant.
“All worshipers must use hand sanitizers at church entrance and wear face masks while in church. Infrared thermometers should be used at church entrance doors. Any worshiper whose body temperature is above 38 degrees Centigrade should promptly be referred to the nearest healthcare facility.
“Worshippers must endeavor to wash their hands with soap and running water before and after Church Service. We count on all citizens and residents to cooperate with the state government to ensure we minimize the surge of COVID-19 in our state.”
Similarly, the Commissioner of Information, Mr. Charles Udoh in a press statement on Friday said the lockdown in the state subsists.
He said all churches and religious gatherings must disperse early enough to ensure that members of the congregation return home on or before 1pm since the Quarantine and Restriction of Movement Regulations 2020 earlier signed into operations by Gov. Emmanuel and announced, recommences at 1pm on both days(Friday and Sunday) but remains in full operations on all subsequent days until further notice.
