ANAMBRA, APRIL 28, 2020 (CISA)-The Catholic Archdiocese of Onitsha has announced the intention to resume public Masses as the lockdown imposed in Anambra state ends.
This is after the first and second post treatment tests on the Covid-19 Index Case in Anambra State returned negative.
According to an April 25 statement by the Archdiocesan Secretariat of Onitsha, the Masses shall resume although with stringent measures.
“As the compulsory and comprehensive lockdown imposed by the Anambra State government gradually ends this weekend, it is our desire and intention to slowly lift the suspension we imposed on the Public celebration of Holy Mass so that our Common Sacramental and spiritual life will progressively return to normal. As we cautiously follow the directives coming from the state government and other credible health institutions, you are called to take some necessary and urgent steps which will gradually lead to the restoration of our normal life as a Church,” the statement reads.
The statement notes that Mass will be celebrated with a limited and controlled number of the faithful while all other liturgical and devotional activities remain suspended.
The Archdiocese has also decreed that wearing of face masks in church, washing of hands, hand sanitizing, and maintenance of reasonable social distance is mandatory. No Mass will last more than one and half hours and no handshakes during the exchange or peace while reception of Holy Communion will be on the palm of the hand.
Anambra state imposed a lockdown since March 23, which was lifted on April 25 after the first and second post treatment tests on the Covid-19 Index Case in Anambra State returned negative.
