Prophet Shepherd Bushiri has requested people to deposit offerings directly into his Enlightened Christian Gathering (ECG) church bank account following the suspension of his church services because of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The flamboyant televangelist has also hit back at people calling on him to pray meet and pray for people infected with COVID-19 virus, saying he is not in hiding or afraid of the coronavirus.

A section of the society has persistently been calling on prophets like Bushiri who previously claimed that someone living with HIV was healed after being prayed for by the prophet to meet in person coronavirus patients. But as of today, no pastor or prophet has directly met a Covid-19 patient to deliver ‘miracle healing’.

However, Bushiri has responded to such calls saying he had prophesied that he would disappear together with other prophets.

“Where are those Prophets now ? Were they not healing the sick, so where are they?” This is a very common question now. Well, as for me, I am where I said I would be back in 2018 when I prophesied that, a time would come and I would disappear. Not only me, I specifically mentioned that all prophets would disappear for a while. People would look for us in hunger for God” he posted on his Facebook page.

“To all my followers, I told you this beforehand, and advised you to buy Bibles way before the lockdown. I hope you listened. Enjoy reading them and studying to show yourself approved unto God until all is over. And to those on social media busy asking where prophets are now, we are where I prophesied we would be, home!”

There have been 1,277,962 confirmed cases of the Covid-19 which has killed over 69,555 people. Data also shows that 264,439 people have recovered. Malawi has confirmed 4 cases of Covid-19.

Meanwhile, despite being in ‘hiding’ and suspending ECG church services in South Africa where there is a 21-day lockdown set by government to curtail the spread of Covid-19, the controversial prophet has asked people to deposit their offerings directly into ECG bank account.

“There is a church account and I want you to put your offerings. Put your seed. Put your tithe. Don’t hesitate. Don’t listen to the devil. Don’t listen to what people say. Don’t listen to what your mind says. Listen to what God says.

“Bring your tithe, seeds and your offerings and God will bless you” pleads Bushiri.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned against misinformation on coronavirus which currently does not have any vaccine or cure. The organisation is urging people to follow the basic protective measures against pandemic.

Wash your hands frequently

Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.

Maintain social distancing

Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth

Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

Practice respiratory hygiene

Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early

Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.

Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.

For persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading, the WHO is urging them to:

Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and slight runny nose, until you recover. Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.

If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers. Why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses,