Amidst the Coronavirus lockdown, the Niger State government has lifted the suspension of congregational Friday Prayer (Juma’at) for today Friday, April 17, 2020.
According to the data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the state has so far recorded two cases of the pandemic.
Recall that POLITICS NIGERIA reported how the World Health Organisation (WHO) had warned against the hasty relaxation of lockdown as it poses a great danger for the populace.
The global health organisation had on several occasions advised people to stay away from public gatherings, which it described as the best preventive measure against the deadly respiratory disease.
However, Ahmed Matane, Secretary to the State Government and Chairman Task Force on COVID-19, disclosed the lift on the suspension of congregational prayers in a statement sent to POLITICS NIGERIA.
According to him, the Juma’at Prayer is expected to hold between 11a.m. and 3p.m. under strict observance of all the precautionary measures.
He urged Muslim faithful to adhere to using hand sanitisers, face masks, hand washing facilities with soap and water, maintaining social distancing and avoiding contact base greetings before, during and after prayer session.
Matane explained that the sermon and prayers would be conducted within 30 minutes.
“Muslims are advised to adhere strictly to the precautionary measures taken by the government on the containment of Coronavirus pandemic in the state.“The lockdown, however, continues immediately after the Juma’at Prayers,” he said.
