Apostle Sylvanus Okorote, the chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Delta state, has said New Year cross-over services may hold across churches in the state.

The chairman in a telephone conversation with The Nation Wednesday said until the body receives new directives from the State Government regarding the preventive measures against Coronavirus, churches have been told to comply with having 50 percent worship capacity at their various centres.

It will be noted that New Year cross-over church gatherings usually double the number of worshippers, hence whether worship centers will be able to adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines of 50 percent worship capacity, raises concern.

The second wave of the disease has been reported to be more virulent than the former.

Apostle Okorote said he could not tell how churches will manage the situation when posed the question.

However, the cleric stressed that churches have been informed to comply with the issued protocols.

“CAN is not an independent body. CAN function within the ambiance of the laws of the land. As it is now, the state government has neither said hold the service or do not hold the service.

“What the state government has done is issue directives for people to comply with the COVID-19 protocols, as in use only 50 percent capacity of your church, have Sofia distance, have sanitizers and hand wash and face masks.

“That is what the State Government has said so far. We are waiting for more directives from the State Government. But we’ve told the churches so far is comply with the directives of the state government.”

He further disclosed that the State Government said multiple services could be held to avoid having large crowds in worship halls.