JUST IN: Umahi lifts order restricting public events in Ebonyi

By Victor Nwegede

Governor David Nweze Umahi of Ebonyi State, on Sunday, lifted every order restricting public events and gatherings in his state.

Umahi said, "all restrictions in respect of movement order on public burials/ wake keeps, weddings, conferences, meetings, festivals, religious services/ gatherings, etc are hereby lifted."

The governor according to the release issued and made available to newsmen by Ebonyi Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Barr. Orji Uchenna Orji  was in a furtherance of the state post COVID-19 economic recovery plans.

It underscored the exercise of the powers conferred on Umahi by provisions of Ebonyi State Coronavirus and other Dangerous Infectious Diseases and Related Matters Law 005 of 2020 and other relevant Laws, and subject to the NCDC COVID-19 Protocols and other directives of the Presidential Task on COVID-19, made him to issue proclaimations relapsing restrictions on events and gathering of persons in the state.

The governor in the statement also  directed: "That all public and private schools from primary to tertiary levels shall re-open on 5th October 2020.

"That all closures of public places such as event centres, bars, places of worship, educational institutions, public parks, night clubs, cinemas, viewing centres  and other such public places are hereby lifted.

"That all restrictions on conduct of business and commercial activities are hereby rescinded.

"That all regulations in respect of wearing of facemasks, washing of hands, use of hand sanitizers and social distancing are still in force in public places,events and gatherings.

"The Governor further charges all security agencies and public office holders especially the Chairmen of Local Government Areas and Coordinators of Development Centres   to enforce the subsisting regulations contained in the proclaimation hereof  in the interest of the safety and health of our people."