LIVE UPDATES: Easter amid lockdown

Millions of Christians are celebrating Easter in a very unusual way. A virus has denied them the joy of worshiping together in person, as well as the ritual of breaking bread and drinking wine to celebrate Jesus’s resurrection.

With the global death toll exceeding 102,000 amidst about 1,681,964 infections and 374,509 recoveries, countries have been left with no option but to extend their lockdowns.

For instance, Ghana has had its lockdown extended for one more week and it is likely Spain’s nationwide confinement would last until May.

While extending his well wishes to Christians in his 6th televised address on the country’s fight against coronavirus, Thursday, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo urged Ghanaians to celebrate a ‘restrained’ Easter.

“We are used to attending Easter conventions, making-merry, visiting friends and family, and having a good time. Yes, like a lot of you, I was also looking forward to visiting Kwahu during this time of the year, which I have been doing for several years. However, I am urging all of us to do the exact opposite of what we have been used to for many years,” he said.

“Stay at home. I ask you to keep your distance from your parents, grandparents and extended family, and celebrate this holiday apart. Do not host a big family gathering, and sternly refuse to attend one if you are invited. Your relatives will understand you are doing this out of love for them. Please, make that sacrifice,” the president added.