All evidences clearly show that public gatherings, including prayers, constitute an environment conducive for virus. Hence, suspension of mass prayers can reduce mass spread of the disease and can be justified medically to save lives and to avert a coronavirus outbreak.

Battling this pandemic while borders are open is more like trying to fix a leaky tap that is open.

The first 2 cases of COVID-19 have been reported to be confirmed on 31st of March, 2020. Obviously, Somaliland has failed terribly in preventing COVID-19. Borders have not been shut down. Flights were pouring into the country and the virus has seized this golden opportunity to slip into the country.

Nidaamka caafimaad ee dalku waa mid aan baahiyaha caafimaad ee dadka dabooli Karin, cudurka Covid-19 na waa mid si dhakhso ah uga adkaan kara.

With no strict travel restrictions in place, social norms being powerful motivators and getting in the way of people taking the right steps and the country’s unpreparedness for this pandemic means the country has already made a litany of violations of the peace deal and is already heading to a health crisis. Only prayers can change the destiny so pray for this country.

The health system in our country is already stretched thin and a pathogen like coronavirus can quickly overwhelm it.