The Rivers State government has restated its ban on viewing centres ahead of the return of the English Premier League.

The Rivers government also re-emphasized its ban on Cinemas across the State as COVID-19 continues to spread.

State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Paulinus Nsirim, made the announcement in a statement issued in Port Harcourt.

Paulinus stated that the State government is doing everything to discourage large gatherings due to the Coronavirus pandemic, adding that viewing centres and cinemas do not have a good crowd control arrangement.

“The Rivers State Government hereby reminds the members of the general public, that the ban on the operation of cinemas and viewing centres is still in force, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“We must continually avoid situations that will lead to gathering of people in large numbers, as this will enable us flatten the curve.

“These Cinemas and viewing centers are businesses that cannot control the influx of viewers, as they maximize profits from the multitude of people that gather, neither can they maintain social distancing, as they cannot be controlled.

“All Local Government Chairmen are hereby directed to ensure that no cinema or viewing centre is open in their areas.

“Landlords who allow their premises to be used as viewing centres may have their property confiscated by the State Government,” the statement reads.

The English Premier League, which was suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic, resumes today with Arsenal playing Manchester City.