Amid COVID-19 cases, Niger lifts ban on religious gathering to allow for Friday prayer

The Niger State government has lifted the ban on religious gatherings to allow for this Friday’s (today) Juma’at prayer.

In a statement released on Friday by Lawan Tanko, Information Officer, for the Secretary to the Government of Niger State and the Chairman, Niger State Task Force on COVID-19, said the Juma’at prayer was expected to hold between 11am to 3pm.

It said the prayer would take place under strict observance of all the precautionary measures, using hand sanitizers, face masks, hand washing facilities (soap, and water), maintaining social distancing and avoiding contact base greetings.

The statement added ”The sermon and prayers are to be conducted within thirty minutes; Muslims are advised to adhere strictly to the precautionary measures taken by government on the containment of coronavirus pandemic in the state.”

According to the statement, the lockdown in the state over COVID-19 would continue immediately after the Juma’at prayers.

READ ALSO: Task Force raises alarm over COVID-19 confirmed cases being smuggled out of Lagos

Niger currently has two active confirmed case of the novel coronavirus ravaging the world.

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