The Commissioner for Information and Communications in Rivers State, Pastor Paulinus Nsirim, has said that N10 million fine will be paid by violators of COVID-19 guidelines put in place for marriages and weddings.
Nsirim who disclosed that the guidelines were approved by the state Executive Council during a meeting presided over by the state Governor, Nyesom Wike, said prospective couples would be required to apply to the state governor through the Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation.
According to him, “All Weddings/Marriages have an attendance limit of 50 people. The names, addresses and phone number of all attendees have mad available with the application to enable quick contact tracing if the need arises.
“Soap and running water has to be kept at the entrance to the venue in not less than three places while all attendees are to wear face masks and maintain social distancing of not less than two meters.
“Church weddings are to be conducted between 9am and 12noon, while traditional weddings are to be conducted between 4pm and 7pm. Reception ceremonies are not permitted.
“A representative of the Ministry would be present to observe the event. A fine of N10,000,000 is to be paid by anyone that puts people at risk by breaking this regulation.”