The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged churches in the country to henceforth conduct services online or through house fellowship cell as a way of curtailing the spread of Coronavirus.
It also directed churches to observe prayers on March 22 and 27, 2020, against the global pandemic.
CAN President, Reverend Samson Ayokunle, stated this in a statement by his media aide, Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, on Thursday.
Nigeria has recorded 12 coronavirus cases with one death.
Below is the statement:
The leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has directed churches in Nigeria to observe Sunday 22 and 29 March, 2020 as days of prayers against the coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria and globally.
President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)- His Eminence, Rev. Dr. Samson O. Ayokunle in a statement by his Media Assistant, Pastor Adebayo Oladeji said churches are advised to strictly follow the guidelines for combating COVID-19 in all their gatherings even as they are trusting God for victory over the plague.
Our prayers should be as follows:
(a) That God should stop the spread of coronavirus in Nigeria and all over the world
(b) That God should protect Nigerians from this disease
(c) That God should heal those who have been infected already
We also advised churches to follow these guidelines and precautions in all their gatherings:
- WORSHIP SERVICE
(i) Ban on the presence of more than 50 people in a gathering have been placed by most state government; therefore, use:
a. House cell based service or
b. Online service
c. Where possible, particularly for churches who do not have online system, services can be broken into shifts of not more than 50 members in each shift. - PRECAUTIONS
(i) Each branch/assembly should provide alcohol-based hand rub (sanitizer) for use
(ii) Regular washing of hands with soap and water; use of same towel is not allowed
(iii) Maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing
(iv) Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
(v) Drink hot water regularly
(vi) Practice respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose the used tissue immediately.
(vii) If you have fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, then seek medical care early
(viii) Do not panic. Always pray with Psalm 91 and have faith in God.