TANZANIA: Catholic Bishops in Tanzania Urge the Faithful to Take Covid-19 Precautions
Sarah Pelaji, Dar es Salaam
The President of Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) Archbishop Gervas Nyaisonga has urged the faithful and the entire Tanzanian community to protect themselves from Coronavirus.
He said this recently at the Conference in Dar es Salaam while explaining to the faithful the 2021 Lent message issued by Catholic Bishops in Tanzania lead by Psalm 95, “It would be better today to hear his voice and not harden your hearts.”
He said the voice of the bishops is a prophetic voice in these perilous times where the world is struggling to fight Covid-19 disease caused by Coronavirus.
“It is important upon each of us to accept the truth about Covid-19 and to live in accordance with the advice given by experts and those who know how to control the disease.
“Let us remember the responsibility to avoid the risk of infection. We bishops are fighting for the health of Tanzanians and their lives. That is why we urge them to protect themselves from the virus. Everyone should protect oneself and the others so that we can have a nation with healthy people,” he stressed.
He urged the faithful to continue taking precautions as instructed with great care, especially washing hands regularly with clean water and soap and to avoid holding hands.
“Maintain social distance and wear masks. Let us heed the instructions given to us by the government as this disease is not uncommon since last year 2020,” he explained.
He said that taking precautionary measures is to build Tanzania with healthy people so that everyone can use their opportunity to build their nation.
He also warned those who do not take any precautions against the infection.
“Since we are now familiar with the virus since 2020, there are others who are no longer afraid. They think Tanzania is an Island that we can not be affected. Let us remind each other in society that each person should consider this disease to be a threat to our health.
There are people participating in funerals and celebrations without taking any precautions. Let us remind them of their responsibility to protect themselves and others,” he stressed.
He urged Tanzanians to remove fear and refuse to be slaves to fear because anything that affects people’s lives is another weapon to weaken a person.
“Let us pray and ask God to spare us from this tragedy. God has been listening to us but has not taken away our responsibility. When we see some people who do not see the need of protecting themselves, let us remind them to save the nation and all people. Let each one protect his own life, that of his colleagues and protect our nation to build a free and prosperous Tanzania.”
