NCDC has issued compulsory guidelines that should be followed in places of worship, in its effort to curtail the spread of Covid-19 in Nigeria, as confirmed cases continue to rise.
Mass gatherings has been linked to one of the easiest ways the virus if spreading. People without symptoms (asymptomatic) can transmit the virus to other people, who might go on to become sick.
61% of cases in Nigeria are asymptomatic according to the Health Minister Osagie Ehanire, while 74% of the confirmed of Covid-19 cases in Nigeria have unknown exposure according to NCDC.
This implies that, there is high rate of community spread in the country. Thus, the need for people to take appropriate measures of protection to ensure his/her safety and that of his/her loved ones.
The compulsory measures that must be followed are as follows;
Separate entry and exit points into and out of places of worship should be provided and overcrowding at these entry and exit points should be avoided.
Temperature should be checked at the points of entry, persons with temperature over 37.50C should be asked to leave & seek medical attention.
Adult who are 60 years and over and people of all ages with underlying health conditions should be encouraged to stay at home to limit their exposure to risk.
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Children classes are not allowed to be held for now. Sunday schools, Islamiyah, children Bible classes and all childcare classes are discouraged for now; children should be with their parents.
Hand-washing facilities should be provided in front of places of worship. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers should be offered to worshipers at the entry point.
For Muslims, encourage them to perform ablution (wudu) at home.
Areas which are 2 meters apart should be marked, and worshipers encouraged to maintain 2m distance from each other.
Adequate air circulation should be ensured, especially when using air conditioners. This can be achieved by opening doors and windows.
Notices on use of face-mask must be placed at entry points and within premises of places of worship. The congregations should be encouraged to wear face masks and maintain good personal hygiene.
Shaking of hands, hugs and all physical contacts that form part of religious rituals are to be avoided for now.
The use of shared items should be avoided. Worshipers should be encouraged to use personal items, such as Quran, Bible, prayer mats, hymn books, kettles for ablution, etc.
Places of worship should be disinfected before reopening including car parks. All surfaces should be regularly wiped with disinfectant.
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According to NCDC, measures for COVID-19 Phase 2 easing of lockdown are;
Nigeria Center for Disease Control has issued the following guidelines for public places in the phase 2 easing of lockdown.
Use of face mask temperature checks is mandatory in public. Every one is advised to maintain physical distancing of 2 metres apart. Gathering is limited to maximum of 20 people outside workplace, including burials.
Business owners must provide hand washing facilities or sanitisers. There is nationwide curfew from 10pm – 4am. Latex hand glove should not be worn except for medical purposes.
Interstate travels remains restricted to essentials travels only. International land borders and airspace remains shut except for essential flights.
However, Full resumption of manufacturing industries and banks are allowed.
Schools, tertiary institutions Bars, gyms cinema, restaurants and nightclubs remain closed.
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According to NCDC, “If you have COUGH or FEVER & 1 of these symptoms
“*Loss of taste/smell *Difficulty breathing *Diarrhea *Catarrh *Fatigue *Shivering *Body pain *Headache *Sore throat”
“Please call your state hotline for advice”
Written by;
Ifunanya Ikueze
If you have questions about Covid-19 email us at info@investogist.com
