The Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Adamawa State chapter, Most Rev. Stephen Mamza has called on the general public to be vigilant and comply totally with government directives and measures aimed at curtailing the spread of the dreaded Coronavirus.
In a letter he tagged, “At The Wake Of COVID–19 Pandemic: A Call For Vigilance And Compliance”, Rev Mamza expressed concern that the pace at which the Coronavirus is spreading calls for collaboration and unity of purpose in the struggles to curtail the further spread and the far-reaching damages of the disease.
“As a Church therefore, we shall comply fully with the directives of the state authorities in curbing the spread of the Virus.
“This will definitely affect our faith based practices, yet while keeping in mind the sacred responsibilities of our faith and practices, we immediately call on you dear brethren to cooperate maximally with the relevant Government agencies in their efforts and measures towards the welfare of the citizenry in the face of this killer disease.”
He urged all Christians and all people of goodwill to duly observe the following adjustments which includes that proprietors of all Christian Schools comply with government directives by closing all Christian schools on or before Friday March 27, 2020.
“We encourage smaller units of congregational assemblies of 50 people only. We recommend the suspension of Sunday Services and Masses until further notice. The faithful are encouraged to continue with private devotions in their respective homes.
“Crusades, conventions, revivals, vigils are hereby suspended until further notice.”
Rev. Mamza who is the Catholic Bishop of Yola, urged Christians to suspend the sign of peace, which involves hand-shaking and hugging in some churches and outside churches, recommending social distance of one meter or three feet.
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He also said reception of Holy Communion should be on the palms and done in such a way as to prevent touching of the recipient.
“Pastoral care is to be administered with utmost precautions by using hand sanitizer before and after, and washing hands thoroughly with soap and water often.
“Burials should be restricted to only the close family members of the deceased, weddings and social celebrations be suspended until the situation comes under control.
“Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
“Christian Hospitals/Clinics, Conference/social Centres and Pastoral homes should put in place Emergency Response Measures such as a Liaison Committee, Personal protective equipment including hand sanitizers, face masks, hand washing fonts with liquid soap dispensers, temperature monitors among others.”
The CAN leader also advised people to seek medical care immediately if they have fever, cough and difficulty in breathing saying “we encourage people to please stay at home and go out only when necessary. Prevention is better than cure.”
CAN Adamawa, therefore, appealed to all their pastors and Church leaders to ensure that adequate care is taken and lines of communications are open to ensure that the poor and the vulnerable who live alone are not abandoned at this time and beyond.
“Let us stand together; hand-in-hand in keeping with His word,” he added.
