— Exhorts Ndi Anambra to Take Necessary Protocols Seriously
By Abuchi Onwumelu
The Catholic bishop of Awka diocese, His Lordship Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, has said that the response of the Church to the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic would be determined by the intensity of the virus.
According to Bishop Ezeokafor, the Church would not delay in adjusting its modalities once the pandemic intensified.
Speaking to Fides at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka, the Prelate maintained that COVID-19 is real, cautioning people of the state to take the necessary protocols seriously, regardless of its attendant inconveniences.
He said, ‘One major problem with our people is the impression that COVID-19 is not real. This is a reality that is empirical. The only thing is that the virus was mild when it came here because of our condition.
‘There is no doubt that the second wave is coming. It’s already in Europe and America. I’ll advise everyone to take the necessary precautions.
‘You don’t lose anything by doing the right thing, including wearing of facemasks, hand sanitizing and social distancing. They may be burdensome and inconveniencing, but it’s for our own good. That’s life.
‘I’m hearing it’s taking a new turn, meaning it will be worse this time. That’s why we must be very careful. You can’t say because you are coming to church, you will not protect yourself.
‘There may be changes in modalities in church activities. But that would be determined by the intensity. If it intensifies, we’ll know, we’re human beings. The greatest thing God has given man is self preservation.
‘I advise everyone to do everything within their power to save their lives. I don’t want to die, and I don’t want others to die too,’ Bishop Ezeokafor begged.
