By CHARLES IWUOHA

Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi, on Sunday lifted the restrictions he placed on all public gatherings and events in the state.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Mr. Uchenna Orji, in Abakaliki.

The governor had in the wake of the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic in the country placed restrictions on worship centres, event centres and other public places in a bid to curtail spread of the virus.

According to the statement, the lifting of the ban is in exercise of the powers conferred on the governor by provisions of Ebonyi State Coronavirus and other Dangerous Infectious Diseases and Related Matters Law 005 of 2020 and other relevant laws.

“In this regard therefore, the Governor has directed that all restrictions in respect of movement order on public burials/ wake keeps, weddings, conferences, meetings, festivals, religious services/ gatherings, etc, are hereby lifted,” he said.

The governor also directed the lifting of restrictions placed on public places such as event centres, bars, places of worship, educational institutions, public parks, night clubs, cinemas, viewing centres and other such public places.

“That all restrictions on conduct of business and commercial activities are hereby rescinded,” he said.

He also reiterated that all public and private schools from primary to tertiary levels shall re-open on October 5, 2020.

The statement, however, noted 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 proclamation hereof in the interest of the safety and health of our people,” the statement added.