For the first time this month, churches opened their doors to worshippers and adherents of the different denominational groups thronged to their places of worship amidst singing and praises to God.
Also, all restrictions of movements within the State has been relaxed. However, all boundaries between the State and other adjoining States of Enugu, Delta, Imo and Abia remains remain closed to the entry or exit of human traffic or non-essential services.
The new rules followed the relaxing of the lockdown placed in the State to stem the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) infection.
Governor Willie Obiano had on Saturday night announced the relaxation order in a statewide broadcast, but stressing that all worshipers must wear face masks and that all churches must enforce all the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines during worship, including, regular hand washing, avoiding handshakes, application of hand sanitizers and social distancing.
“With regards to religious groups, leaders of the churches should ensure that worshippers comply with the standard protocols of Covid-19 which includes wearing of face masks to church, use of hand sanitizers, social distancing and regular washing of hands. Church leaders should decide how best to conduct mass and service in strict adherence to the principles of social distancing to ensure that worshippers are not endangered. Please note that there should be no crusades and vigils for the time being,” he said.
Stating that the directive on the “wearing of face masks remains fully in force,” the Governor emphasized that “nobody should step out of their homes without wearing a face mask.”
Governor Obiano also announced that all food and drug markets in the State are to open with immediate effect.
However, he also announced his meeting with all market leaders on Monday, 27th April, 2020 on the modalities for re-opening the markets.
He also hinted that the modalities for the re-opening of schools as well as the resumption of work by civil servants and other offices will soon come into effect.
Obiano hinged the re-opening of the State to internal movements and businesses is because the Anambra State COVID-19 “Index Case has been discharged and has re-united with his family.”
He also added that all the blood samples of the 36 people who had direct contact with the Index Case all returned COVID-19 negative.
The Governor therefore said that “all food markets including restaurants and bars in Anambra State are to reopen for normal business with immediate effect. However, they must comply with the principles of social distancing. They are to provide hand-washing points with soap and hand sanitizers at the entry points into the markets.
“All our boundaries with neighbouring states remain completely closed. Only people on essential services and haulage trucks with essential commodities are allowed passage after a thorough check and confirmation by the security personnel at the boundaries. The illegal motor parks operating at the boundaries shall be quickly dismantled with immediate effect. Crossing the boundaries on foot is not allowed. The law enforcement agencies have been directed to see to that.”
