He explains, “Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.”
The Catholic Church leader also advices 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.”
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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.”
“May the Lord deliver us from this plague and all evils,” the Archbishop implored in conclusion.
A couple of Prelates in East Africa have, in separate statements and contexts, expressed their concerns about the virus, with a Ugandan Bishop calling on the government to take measures that will prevent the spread of COVID-19 virus months before the annual pilgrimage to the Uganda Martyrs Shrine in Namugongo and a Kenyan Archbishop asking medical doctors to be on the alert and the country’s health ministry to be prepared just in case the virus gets detected in the East African country.