Shun Religious Gatherings If You Have Mild COVID-19 Symptoms

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and the Christian Association of Nigeria have asked Nigerians to obey all directives and precautions issued by the authorities on coronavirus.

The two bodies cautioned Muslim and Christian faithful against attending religious programmes if they are experiencing symptoms such as respiratory problems, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, the NSCIA Deputy Secretary-General, Prof. Salisu Shehu, urged mosques and Islamic centres to discourage members from attending any mosque activities “even if they are only experiencing mild symptoms.”

He noted, “In the event of confirmed emergence of the infection in several figures; regarding the congregational prayers, in such affected places, including the Friday prayers, funeral prayers, tarawih prayers and Eid prayers, people with compromised immunity such as the elderly, children, those with underlying health conditions amongst others should observe their prayers in their homes or wherever they are, and pray Zuhr in place of the Friday (Jum’ ah) prayers.”

Regarding the Hajj and Umrah, the NSCIA deputy scribe also advised Muslims to adhere to all directives issued by the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

When asked if the Friday prayers at the National Mosque would be suspended, Shehu said the service would hold (today) “because, at the level of the National Mosque, we are still observing the situation, so as far as the Jumu’ah service is concerned, it is going to take place here.”