Coronavirus (Covid-19 ) which broke out in Wuhan China, late last year, has since been pronounce as a global pandemic by the World Health Organization, (WHO). Covid -19 has affected almost every aspect of human endeavours. Many lives have been lost worldwide and the world economy has been brought to a halt by the dreaded virus, following the total global lockdown.
While the lockdown process was gradually being eased in Nigeria, the religious leaders too had agitated for the reopening of worship centers after it was shutdown for over three months by the president. However the Presidential Task Force (PTF) which is being chaired by the Secretary to the government of the federation, Mr Boss Musterpha, had issued guidelines for the reopening of worship centers which include washing of hands before entering any worship facility, wearing of face mask, observing social distancing, one hour duration of service amongst others.
During our visit to some of these worship centers within the FCT and its environs, it was observed that these guidelines have not been religiously followed by most worship centers and their followers. While some adhere strictly to washing of hands before entering the worship premises on one hand, wearing of face ask and observing social distancing were totally disregarded on the other hand.
Our religious bodies ( Christianity and Islam ) must come to terms with the fact that the old way of living is gradually giving way to the new way. The world like we know it has changed and will remain so for a long time. To stop the spread of this dreaded virus, these guidelines as issued by the PTF must be strictly obeyed.
