By; BBC
Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo has announced measures to ease restrictions on public gatherings in the country. This includes the reopening of churches and mosques.
Under the new directives, church services and Muslim prayers can take place with 100 congregants at a time and for only one hour. The directives take effect from Friday.
In a televised address, President Akufo-Addo said the decision to ease restrictions on selected public gatherings was based on their risk profile, social and economic impact and the country’s ability to respond to a major outbreak.
Schools will be reopened for final year students only.
Social-distancing rules and mandatory wearing of masks must also be enforced.
The preventive measures against coronavirus were imposed two months ago to stop the spread of coronavirus.
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Conferences, weddings, burials, non-contact sport and political activities with a limited number of 100 participants will also be allowed.
But festivals, sporting events, nightclubs, cinemas and political rallies remain banned.
According to President Akufo-Addo, arrangements will be made to evacuate Ghanaians stranded abroad, but they will undergo mandatory quarantine and testing.
Meanwhile, Ghana’s borders remain closed indefinitely.
Ghana has so far recorded 8,060 confirmed cases of the disease and 36 deaths.