Juma’at Prayers to still hold on Friday in Katsina amidst coronavirus spread

Since the outbreak of coronavirus in Nigeria, it has been one story or the other about the measures taken by the Katsina State government to curb the spread of the virus. From the killings to the arrest of worshippers who burnt a police station over the suspension of Juma’at prayers to the death of a Medical Practitioner, all in Katsina State.

A meeting was thereby held between the Katsina State Government, Religious leaders, Traditional rulers and security Agents to review the measures taken by the Government of Katsina State to curb the spread of the virus.

The government has however directed for the following;

• The suspension of Friday Prayers has been lifted with immediate effect but to be conducted under some stipulated health/security guidelines.
• The Juma’at Imams should however aboid prolonged sermins in order to discharge their followers within a short period.
• People are also strongly advised to maintaim social distancing and strictly adhere to all rules and regulations as provided by the health experts in fighting the contagious disease.

The social gathering involves both the church activities and Juma’at Prayers. According to the NCDC’ statistics so far, just one person has died from the virus in Katsina State but they are still trying to trace those the deceased came in contact with.

One would not help but wonder if these measures as stipulated by the Katsina State government are enough to curb the further spread of this virus in their state.