What are the main consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for religious and faith communities? What role can religious leaders and their followers play in helping to overcome the challenges of the pandemic? How to find proper solutions to reduce social tension and conflicts stemming from religious factors? How to foster support and solidarity within and between different religious communities and to improve mental and physical wellbeing during the pandemic? Re-imagining religious life in a post-Covid-19 world, which practices could become the new normal? What could be the future role of religion in society?
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In Plateau state, Nigeria, the first 2months of the lockdown was taken so serious. Churches and mosques were locked and people stayed at home, staying safe in their homes. Markets closed down, except for local markets where food items are sold, which opened twice in a week. No one knew people could actually stay true to the lockdown, even the religious houses. The outbreak was an unexpected event for all followers of different religions, hence, it was quite easy for religious leaders to admonish their members to stay home and stay safe. However, the lockdown has been eased down now. Religious houses are opened but not to fill capacity. And there is strict observance of social distancing.
The outbreak of the Covid-19 has made religious houses conduct services online such that congregation can have access to them during the service and after service. It will be unwise to see religious leaders who see the disease outbreak as thing to tackle with faith instead of precaution. Implementation of online services should be implemented for now. And if at all churches and mosques will be fully opened later, the proper guidelines and social distancing needs to be strictly maintained.