MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Liberian Government has declared the Coronavirus outbreak as National Health emergency.

The Government has therefore instituted several drastic measures to stop the spread of the virus in Liberia.

According Health Minister Doctor Wilhelmina Jallah, the Government has suspended with immediate effect operations of commercial flights to Liberia, all religious services, casinos and betting institutions.

Doctor Jallah also said that the ban will affect learning institutions, including universities, vocational and technical institutions, entertainment and movie centers.

She said:” The Liberian Government will not condone large gatherings and as such, restaurants and cook shops are to provide service to not more than five customers at a time.”

According to Doctor Jallah, the measures are in response to Government’s determination to halt the spread of CONVID-19 in Liberia.

Meanwhile, the Bishop of the United Pentecostal Church of Liberia (UPCL), Dr.Stephen Benda, has temporarily suspended services in all local churches of the United Pentecostal Church in Liberia, due to the coronavirus outbreak, until further notice.

Bishop Benda also cautioned members of the church to strictly observe and submit to all regulations from the Liberian Government and health authorities, as effort to combat the deadly virus.

Delivering a special statement Sunday, March 23, 2020, at his office in Sinkor, the UPCL Bishop commended health workers who have risked their lives in defense of Liberia against the coronavirus.

Bishop Benda further admonished all members of the UPCL and other Liberians to continue in prayer and private worship to Jesus Christ for Liberia and the rest of the world, until the coronavirus storm is over.

He said while congregational worship of the UPCL churches are suspended, the National Headquarters of the United Pentecostal Church of Liberia and offices of its local churches will maintain skeleton staff for official and business transactions.