Coronavirus: Jumat prayers, church services suspended in Kaduna
- The Kaduna state government has suspended Jumat prayers, church services in the state over coronavirus spread
- Governor El-Rufai also directed that all the schools in the state be closed down for 30 days in the first instance
- Social gatherings in parties, bars, restaurants, night clubs, public parks and such places are suspended have also been suspended
As Nigeria's coronavirus cases hit 12, the Kaduna state government has restricted large gatherings, religious services and social events in the state.
Though Kaduna state has not recorded any case of Covid-19, the state government said it is putting in place the measures to reduce the chance of the disease taking root and spreading in the state.
Governor Nasir El-Rufai, in a statement made available by his media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, said Imams are advised not to hold Juma’at services today, Friday, March 20.
El-Fufai said the directive is in line with the decision of the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the cradle of Islam not to hold such prayers in the two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madina.
"In many Muslim-majority countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE, members of the public are encouraged to pray at home, and not congregate as is the practice in normal times. The Kaduna State government hereby directs that all daily congregational prayers should be suspended until the coronavirus situation is clearly contained," the statement reads partly.
Governor El-Rufai also directed that pastors in the state should avoid gatherings in church services.
The Kaduna state governor said many Christian-majority countries like Italy, France and Germany have suspended church services.
"Pastors, as well as congregants, are expected to abide by public health advice and avoid gatherings in churches. Other means of worship and fellowship should be adopted in much smaller numbers of not more than 10 persons, for now," he said.
The Kaduna state government also banned any assembly of more than 50 persons in the state until further notice.
"These measures to contain the spread of Coronavirus also known as Covid-19 mean that social gatherings in parties, bars, restaurants, night clubs, public parks and such places are suspended until further notice," the statement added.
According to the statement, all the schools in the state will be shut down from Monday, March 23.
All the tertiary institutions have been directed to be closed immediately for 30 days in the first instance.
Governor El-Rufai urged all the citizens in the state to support and abide by all the measures put in place to avoid Covid-19 spread.
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Similarly, the Anambra state government has banned public gathering in the state until further notice, starting from Monday, March 23.
The state government, under the leadership of Governor Willie Obiano in a statement released on Thursday, March 19, provided health advisory for various sectors in a bid to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
The government advised traders who go to the markets to wash their hands frequently, with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and allow it to air dry.
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