South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa on Tuesday said churches and other places of worship will be allowed to resume operation from June 1.
The reopening of places of worship is part of a larger policy of easing lockdown restrictions in the country.
The president however said these places of worship will be limited to 50 people or less.
Places of worship were closed in March to stop the spread of the coronavirus virus as part of lockdown restrictions.
“The faith community is an integral part of the South African life and has made a great contribution in the fight against the coronavirus,” Ramaphosa said in a televised address.
All worshippers will also be required to wear masks and sanitise their hands before entering these places of worship.
Worshippers would also have to practice social distancing when they gather.
According to President Ramaphosa religious leaders play crucial roles in communities, including counselling and prayers.
He fears the pandemic had taken a toll on the religious well-being of citizens and reopening these places of worship will be useful.
But many are concerned about how churches would be able to observe the necessary health guidelines.
South Africa is also to embark on a national prayer day on May 31 to seek God’s intervention in the pandemic.
So far South Africa has recorded 24,264 cases of coronavirus and is one of the hard hit countries.
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Source: Africafeeds.com
