The Kaduna state Chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria,CAN, has given the state Government validatory reasons to why churches should be reopened in the state.Contained in a Letter signed by the CAN Chairman,Kaduna State Chapter,Rev.John Joseph Hayap,The Association acknowledged the Efforts of the Kaduna State Governor,Mallam Nasir Elrufai in curtailing the spread of the COVID-19 virus in the state.
The Association also appreciated God for Healing the state Governor Elrufai From the disease.
In addition,the Association has expressed its readiness to abide by the necessary guidelines set in place to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic such as;first of all,disinfecting the church premises before reopening,provision of hand sanitizers,use of temperature readers, maintaining social distancing while worshipping,Mandatory wearing of face masks among others as recommended by the the World Health Organization.
“Accordingly, we wish to use this medium to express our profound gratitude to God for healing our Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai and others in the state from the virus. We do pray that God Almighty will grant healing to many more that are still having this virus and are going through various processes of treatment.”
“We also condole with families of those who have died due to the pandemic.
“Our Association notes with high regard the various recommendations and steps taken by the state government through the Standing Committee towards finding a lasting solution to the spread of the pandemic which is judged to be credible and commendable by reasonable citizens of the state.”
““We want to place on records our gratitude for the combined efforts of Health Workers, Security Agencies, Religious Leaders, NGOs and all stakeholders for the success so far achieved.”
“The state government through the recommendations of your Standing Committee had made Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays and in your recent review announced Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday as days of relaxing lockdown.
We are anticipating that your future adjustment of relaxing of the lockdown will take into consideration days for religious worship.”
“We also condole with families of those who have died due to the pandemic.
“In-view of the above, we Wish to forward to you our suggested guidelines for worship regulations in accordance with the protocol of COVID-19.”
“The suggested guidelines are: Churches will disinfect their premises first before they are re-opened for services. Churches will provide alcoholic based sanitizers, temperature readers, soap and water in their premises to be supervised by medical professionals in the Church.”
CAN said every worshipper must either use soap to wash their hands or apply sanitizers.
““The temperature of every worshipper must be taken before admission into the church and people with the high temperature will not be allowed into the church but be advised to go and see their doctors.
“Every worshipper must wear facemask.
Worship leaders shall be made wear hand cloves if they are to handle equipment such as the microphone
Worship leaders shall put on face mask to cover their mouth and nose when they speak through the microphone
“Worshippers shall be required to avoid joining public transport, therefore, shall be enjoined to worship near home, within walking distance.”
Worshippers who have to travel far to church would be enjoined to make use of personal means of transport
Alternatively, Churches would be enjoined to provide transport for members without means of transport in adherence to the social distancing rules.
“Social distancing will be observed in the sitting arrangement with one-meter gap between two worshippers.
“Every worship service shall not exceed one hour.”
“There will be a gap of 25 or 30 minutes between one service and another where there are multiple services to avoid crowd.
“Churches can make use of classrooms and multipurpose halls for services where available, especially in big churches to accommodate more worshippers at a go. TV circuit and speakers can be used for those who are not inside the main auditorium.
“Handshaking and hugging shall be avoided before, during and after the service.
“Churches observing Holy Communion service will use separate cups for each participant.
““CAN in the State and Local Government branches will constitute a committee together with law enforcement agencies in their area to enforce full compliance. Such civilian compliance officials should be given backing by the governments to apprehend those who contravene the worship regulations and hand them over to law enforcement agents.
Prayers will be offered to God for a speedy end of COVID-19 and quick recovery of all that are afflicted by the pandemic. Prayers will also be offered for those front line workers for divine protection.”
By Dung Donald Malou