Fear has gripped Nigerians, especially those residing in Lagos, since the outbreak of Coronavirus in the country. Nigerians have been advised by the federal ministry of health, on preventive measures.
As Nigerians struggle to keep those measures, the Catholic Church was not left out either. According to the Vanguard, a Nigerian media, on Saturday, February 29, Most Rev. Alfred Martins, Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, advised all the Catholic Churches in the state, to suspend sprinkling of holy water, handshakes during mass, and receiving Holy Communion through the mouth. Passing his verdict, the Catholic Archbishop pronounced: “The shaking of hands during the time for the Sign of Peace during Mass is suspended for the time being.
“During this season of Lent, in order to reduce the number of gatherings in Church to the barest necessary, we encourage people to do Stations of the Cross privately on Wednesdays while public celebrations will take place only Fridays especially as it is often followed by Mass,” he said.
Adding the Archbishop noted that “Communion, for the time being, shall be received on the palms. People are encouraged to have Hand Sanitizers handy to be used as and when needed. “The use of Holy Water fonts in churches and public places should be suspended until further notice. May the Lord deliver us from this plague and all evils.”
In the four-page circular letter, Archbishop Martins highlighted a series of “preventive measures as published by Channels TV,” among them, “regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.”
He explained that “Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.”
The Catholic Archbishop also advised the clergy, religious and laity in his jurisdiction to “maintain social distancing of at least 1 metre (3 feet)” and explains, “When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain the virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.”
Archbishop Martins goes on to caution against touching one’s eyes, nose and mouth because “hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.”
“Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately,” the Archbishop advices.
He further directs, “If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early. Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.”
The Nigerian Prelate encourages regular disposition to news channels with information about the virus stating, “Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow the advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.”
He explains in his Saturday letter, “National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.”
