The Governor of Louisiana in the US has called for three days of prayer and fasting for people affected by coronavirus at a meeting with state religious leaders.

During a press conference on Thursday to discuss the state’s response to COVID-19, Democrat John Bel Edwards said that he received a request for the spiritual practice during a teleconference with religious leaders from across the state which he engages in every three weeks.

Acknowledging the unusual nature of the move, he said prayer and fasting are “a spiritual diet and exercise that I as a Catholic Christian believe is very important, anyway”.

The governor said he will be fasting from lunch Monday through Wednesday of this week, and “praying for the people of Louisiana,” especially the sick, their caretakers, and the families of those who have died from COVID-19.

“So if you’re inclined, please join me and the First Lady and faith leaders of Louisiana, regardless of your denomination or your religion, and we would ask that you join us in prayerful reflection and fasting,” he said.