By Brave Dickson
In a bid to ensure strict compliance by churches in Rivers State on the new mode of worship, the state Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has set up its taskforce to enforce government’s directives on covid-19 prevention.
The taskforce, whose membership is yet to be ascertained by TPCN is expected to work with the state government’s taskforce on covid-19.
Confirming the constitution of the CAN taskforce to our correspondent, the state Chairman of CAN, Apostle (Dr) Stanley Dimkpa appealed to churches to ensure total compliance of CAN/government’s directives, as teams from the state CAN leadership working in hand with government teams have been set up to monitor adherence.
He said in view of the global outbreak of covid-19 and the deliberate efforts of the Rivers State Government to avert its spread, we urge church leaders to take note of the following:
“That we are all encouraged to adhere strictly to the directives of CAN/state government.
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“That we wish to reiterate that open worship functions like crusades and other crowded related public activities such as burials, vigils and weddings should not be conducted.
“That sitting arrangement in our church services should take social distancing (average of 1.5m spacing) into consideration.
“That multiple services on Sundays not more than 50 persons per service is therefore encouraged depending on the size of the building.
“That churches with multiple halls that can have the required social distancing can use such halls but not more than 100 persons.
“That online services are also recommended and it is advisable to hold meetings with your entire workforce for briefing.
“That any member of the congregation who had recently come from any of the nations affected by covid-19 should be encouraged to go on self-isolation for 14 days before being allowed to participate in church activities.
“That proper enlightenment on health and safety precautions should be given to church members.
“That all churches should make provision at their entrances for washing of hands with flowing water/sanitizers and ensure its usage by all congregants.
“And that we should please ensure total compliance of CAN/government’s directives, as teams from the state CAN leadership working in hand with government teams have been set up to monitor adherence.”
The state CAN also emphatically stated that all defaulters would face the wrath of the law while urging all and sundry to continue in fasting and prayer for the world and country as directed by the National President of CAN.
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