During his recent announcement, President John Magufuli of
Tanzania stated that his government wouldn't close down churches. Instead, the
head of state termed worship centres as places where people could seek healing.
Despite the coronavirus (COVID-19) claiming over 15,000 lives, Magufuli called
upon Tanzanian citizens not to be afraid of praising and seeking God's face in
places of worship.
During a congregational address on Sunday, Magufuli termed
Coronavirus outbreak as satanic, adding that there is no way it could thrive in
'Christ's Body,' referring to the church. "Corona cannot survive in the
body of Christ; it will burn. That is exactly why I did not panic while taking
the Holy Communion," stated President Magufuli.
However, Magufuli has been criticized for his advice to the
citizens. This is by encouraging them to gather in worship places, putting them
at a higher infection risk. Speaking against Magufuli's advice, Tanzania's
opposition leader Mr. Zitto Kabwe called upon Magufuli to order closure upon
all centres of worship. This, according to Kabwe, would help reduce spread for
the global outbreak.
Magufuli actions contradict that of his colleagues from the
neighboring nations. Already, Kenya has announced a total and indefinite ban
for international passenger flights starting March 25. Public gatherings were
also banned with restaurants ordered to offer only take away services. Matatus
were also ordered to reduce the number of occupants, while bars were to remain
closed indefinitely.
President Kagame's administration of Rwanda banned all
commercial flights in and out of the country for one month. Worship places and
all learning institutions were also closed temporarily. Legal proceedings and
prisoners' visits were also stopped in efforts to contain the situation in
Rwanda.
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Yoweri Museveni of Uganda closed all Ugandan borders with
only cargo trucks allowed but having only two occupants. The Ugandan head of
state also banned all public gatherings, worship services included. As viral infection
cases globally stand at 341,397, Tanzania has reported 12 cases of Covid-19
infection.