RELIGIOUS leaders can now offer counselling to members of society, who are distressed or need comfort during these trying times.
This comes after the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, engaged with other Cabinet members on the directions on religious gatherings, a statement from her department said.
“After wide consultations with the religious sector, government is now in a position to categorise religious counselling as an essential service,” said COGTA spokesperson Lungi Mtshali. “This will enable the millions who have been affected by the virus to receive this much-needed service, since the majority cannot afford professional attention of this nature,” said Mtshali.
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Government has given religious gatherings, such as churches and mosque, the green light to reopen from 1 June under lockdown level 3, with a maximum of 50 congregants under strict health and safety measures.
“However, religious organisations should, where possible, convene services through virtual platforms,” Mtshali said.
COGTA has called on religious leaders or those in charge to develop plans and protocols on how they will manage the re-opening, and establish COVID-19 committees to establish their state of readiness.
Government has barred any physical contact, such as shaking hands and hugging, and has called for 1.5-metre distance between persons.
Places of worship are also required to keep a register, which must be kept for a period of six months, detailing names, contact details, residential addresses and contact persons.
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