CORONAVIRUS: A CALL TO PRAYER

South Africa – South Africans began to observe a 21-day lockdown as a directive from President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday 27 March. This draconian step is aimed at containing the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and began on a tragic note.

 

The country woke up to news stating that the first person, in the Western Cape, passed away as a result of the deadly virus.

 

The president, who has been lauded by health professionals and political leaders for taking firm steps to contain a virus that has infected more than a 1,187 (as on 29 March) of those who have been tested in South Africa so far, called for fervent prayers on the evening of the implementation of the lockdown.

“These are challenging times. We are traversing a path we have never travelled before,” Ramaphosa said. “There are many amongst us who are fearful, uncertain and vulnerable.

 

I call on our people to offer a prayer and a thought for the protection and healing of our land and its people from this disease,” he added.

 

Well known celebrities, sports personalities and politicians from around the world are among those who have been infected by the virus since it broke out in the Wuhan province of China during December.

 

In South Africa, televangelist Angus Buchan is among the patients now receiving treatment after it was confirmed he had contracted the virus.

 

The time to act is now and by acting it means stay at home an adhere to the rules and regulations.

 

Pray for your families, pray for your community, pray for this country and pray for the world. These are difficult times, but we are all in the same boat and if everyone rows together, we will reach our destination faster.