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Mosque reopening: Adhere to COVID-19 protocols, NSCIA tasks Ekiti Muslims

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The Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, (NSCIA) Ekiti chapter, has called on Muslim leaders in the state to adhere strictly to laid down protocols and preventive measures to check the spread of COVID-19.

The chapter’s NSCIA President, Alhaji Yakubu Sanni, made the call in a statement on Friday in Ado-Ekiti.

He said that the call became necessary to ensure the safety of Muslim worshippers as the state government deadline for reopening of praying centers commenced on Aug. 14.

It would be recalled that the body had in a recent statement restated the readiness of the Muslim community to fulfill all requirements for reopening Mosques in the state.

The Islamic body urged Muslim leaders to liaise with their respective local government areas to get the required authentication certificate from the Ministry of Environment as directed by the government.

NSCIA on Friday said the call for COVID-19 pandemic adherence was to remind Muslim leaders about the importance of abiding by the protocols and preventive measures in the interest of the generality of the citizens.

The body mentioned the provision of infrared thermometer, allowing the fumigation of various Mosques by the Ministry of Environment, social distancing while praying and provision of hand sanitizers and water for regular hand washing as some of the protocols to be observed.

It added that “we thank all Muslims in Ekiti and we thank Almighty Allah that the Coronavirus pandemic has not adversely affected many people.

“However, since we are starting the Jummat congregation prayer on Aug. 14, it is necessary to remind the Muslim ummah about the necessary COVID-19 protocols to be observed in Mosques as agreed in our last meeting.

“Fumigation of Mosques by Ministry of Environment is compulsory, provision of infrared thermometer, social spacing (6ft apart), individuals should come with their own praying mats and ablution kettles and provision of water to wash hands and hand sanitizer.

“It is advised that anybody aside from the Imam (prayer leader) above the age of 65 and below the age of 12 should stay away from the mosque.

“Prayers are expected to start at 1.30 p.m. to end at 2.30 p.m. and everybody participating in the prayer should wear a face mask, the number of worshippers in the mosque should be determined by the capacity of space to contain worshippers, standing six feet apart.

“Entry and exit doorways should be clearly demarcated, It should be ensured that under no circumstance should worshippers converge to have any meetings or social gathering without maintaining social distancing.

“Mosque management should appoint officials to monitor compliance.

“May the Almighty Allah bless us as we observe these rules.”



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