COVID-19: Benue lifts ban on worship centres, markets
The Benue state executive council has approved the lifting of the partial ban on worship centers and markets in the state with immediate effect.
Governor Samuel Ortom who made the disclosure on Tuesday in Makurdi, while briefing newsmen said government considered advice from the National Center for Disease Control and other stakeholders on the menace of coronavirus.
According to the governor, the curfew will now begin from 8:00pm to 4:00 and is aimed at checking the activities of club goers.
Governor Ortom directed churches and mosques to open for services with staggered system as the state’s task force will be in place to ensure strict compliance.
“Services should last for only one hour. Social distancing, wearing of face mask, washing of hands and others essentials by worshipers is a must. Burials and weddings should have only 30 people in attendance,” he said.
He also said that inter-state borders still remain closed except vehicles conveying essentials commodities like food and directed civic servants on grade levels 08 to 12 who were exempted to resume work from Monday next week.
The governor pointed out that schools and other tertiary institutions in the state remain closed until the technical advice by experts from the NCDC and other relevant authorities on safety of students will be obtained.
The state Deputy Governor and Chairman of the Action Committee on COVID-19, Benson Abounuz said government is still expecting 42 truckload of palliatives from bodies including Dangote for distribution to the needy.
According to him, 16 persons were intercepted in the state in the early hours of Tuesday, including three Nigerians who have been handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service for necessary action.
