Lagos mosque closes amid virus measures

Lagos Central Mosque appeared deserted on Friday as authorities cancelled regular prayer services amid efforts to stem the spread of the new coronavirus.

A spokesperson for the mosque, Sikiru Alabi-Macfoy, said the move was in compliance with a state government ban on religious and public gatherings of more than 50 people.

The weekly service has been halted for at least 4 weeks.

Meanwhile, many people carried on with business as usual at the city's busy Balogun market.

One trader said she feared the virus less than the closure of the market, where she earns her daily living.

"The lower masses are the ones affected most... they can try and buy a cup of rice or a cup of beans or a bowl of garri to feed their family. After that they still come out again to do their daily activities to earn money and make their profit", said Ganiyat Agunbiade.

In addition to the ban on large gatherings, Nigeria has closed three international airports but those in Lagos and the capital, Abuja, remained open.

The west African country has so far reported twelve cases of the new coronavirus.

For most people, the virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.

The vast majority of people recover from the new virus.

According to the World Health Organization, people with mild illness recover in about two weeks, while those with more severe illness may take three to six weeks to recover.