Churches in the country have been directed by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to conduct services online or use house cell based service. 

This was contained in a statement released on behalf of CAN President, Samson Ayokunle by his Media Assistant, Adebayo Oladeji. 

Churches were also urged to follow the guidelines for combating coronavirus in their services and also to observe March 22 and March 29 as days of prayers against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in Nigeria and globally.

The statement reads in parts; 

“CAN has called on all churches in the country to set aside March 22 and 29 apart to pray for an end to Coronavirus Pandemic in Nigeria and all over the world.

“Our prayer points should be that God should stop the spread of coronavirus in Nigeria and all over the world. God should also protect Nigerians from this disease.

“We should also pray that God should heal those that are already infected. 

“Each branch or assembly should provide alcohol-based hand rub sanitizer for use and regular washing of hands with soap and water.

“Maintain at least 1 metre distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing and avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.

“Drink hot water regularly and practice respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze.

“Dispose the used tissue immediately. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, then seek early medical care.”

Churches without an online system were directed to create services of not more than 50 members in each shift.

This is coming after Kaduna CAN Chapter of CAN directed its members to suspend church activities to curb the spread of coronavirus in the state.