Isaiah's apocalyptic myth and the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria

Abstract

We argue that “Isaiah's apocalyptic myth,” (Isaiah 26:20) was a cushioning effort amidst the corona-virus (COVID-19) pandemic in Nigeria between March and May 2020. Informed conversations frame myths with unhealthy actions leading to the spread of COVID-19. Despite this, Isaiah's apocalyptic myth led to improved behaviours against COVID-19 in Nigeria within the period under study. We relied on a mixed-method approach of data collection and analysis to draw a relation between the “Isaiah” apocalyptic oracle' and the spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria between March and May 2020. This discourse presents ways in which superstitions mitigate the spread of pandemic disease.