Liberia suspends curfew for New Year services

The Liberian government has announced the temporary suspension of a curfew put in place to prevent the spread of Ebola so that New Year's Eve church services can hold.

The suspension of the curfew was announced by the Deputy Information Minister, Isaac Jackson.

"The President has directed the Minister of Justice to suspend the curfew for today, Dec. 31, to allow religious leaders, churches and other religious groups to allow the watch night services, traditional in Liberian society," Jackson said.

Churches have been enjoined to observe proper hygiene and take precautionary measures to keep the virus from spreading.

Jackson also added that the curfew would be re-imposed the following night and defaulters would be arrested.

Liberia’s government introduced the 12am – 6am curfew in September as part of efforts to halt the spread of Ebola which has now killed almost 8,000 people.