COVID-19: CAN Declares 22 & 29 March as Days of Prayers, Gives Guidelines to Churches

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.

CAN have called on all churches in the country to set aside Sunday 22nd and 29th March 2020 apart to pray for an end to Coronavirus Pandemic in Nigeria and all over the world.

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 advise churches to follow these guidelines and precautions in all their gatherings:

GUIDELINES FOR COMBATING CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

A. WORSHIP SERVICE

(i) Ban on the presence of more than 50 people in a gathering has been placed by the most state government; therefore, use:

a. House cell-based service or

b. Online service

c. Where possible, particularly for churches who do not have an online system, services can be broken into shifts of not more than 50 members in each shift.

B. 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 the 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 of 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.
“It is our hope that very soon, coronavirus will become history all over the world in Jesus Name”, the CAN President prayed.