COVID-19: Ayade approves resumption of public worship
With the COVID-19 pandemic came several restrictions which included travel bans, closure of offices, businesses and religious worship centers and sports too were not left out, but the easing down of the pandemic has now brought about reconsideration as to the cancellation of the restrictions which affected even the economy of different countries in the world.
So, in a bid to return to the normal worship Governor Prof. Ben Ayade the Governor of Cross River State has declared that religious worship centres in the state should resume their normal worship activities but not without the use of face masks to avoid the risk of contracting or spreading the COVID-19 pandemic and he also stressed the need for them to occupy only the sitting space in the congregation.
Governor Ben Ayade’s order permitting the resumption of religious activities as contained in a release on Wednesday, was signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Christian.
He said: “We are very grateful to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishops, Bishops, Priests, Pastors, Christians of various denominations.
“We are also grateful to the entire Muslim community for their support and cooperation during the period of suspension of public worship in our state in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
“We acknowledge the understanding and cooperation of religious leaders who contributed immensely in keeping our State Coronavirus Free thus far.
“However, conscious of the Spiritual Economy, and in response to appeals by religious leaders in our state, His Excellency has issued the following executive orders: The order suspending public worship in the state, is hereby lifted with effect from Sunday, May 24, 2020.
“Consequently, starting from Sunday, May 24, 2020, church services are permitted but should be limited to the sitting capacity of the Church. Same applies to Mosques.
“Use of nose mask is compulsory for all worshippers. Churches and Mosques should provide buckets for hand washing, or sanitizers.
“Churches and Mosques are advised to strictly keep to the above instructions. The enforcement team will still go round to check compliance,” Ayade ordered.
By: Ayooluwa Joshua