The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control on Saturday restated the need to “refrain from attending mass gatherings to prevent further spread of COVID-19”.

The NCDC in a Twitter message noted that its policy on social distancing has not changed.

“Even at this time, as we mourn loved ones lost to COVID-19, including the recently deceased, President’s Chief of Staff, Mallam Abba Kyari, we need to refrain from attending mass gatherings to prevent the further spread of #COVID19 Let us #StaySafe and protect each other,” the NCDC message read.

The health agency also referenced its published guidance “on ensuring safe and dignified burial” while preventing the spread of the deadly virus.

According to the NCDC guidelines, “The ceremony should be held in a well-ventilated structure, attendees should be advised on social distancing throughout the event, ensuring practice of hand and respiratory hygiene”.

“People may observe the dead body of an infected person “without touching the body at a minimum distance of 2 metres” and “in the event a ceremony is held, the number of attendees should be limited,” the NCDC guidelines added.