Places of worship to reopen under level 3
Religious leaders will be recognised as essential workers for their faith-based work.
President Cyril Ramaphosa today (26 May) announced that places of worship may resume services from 1 June under alert level 3, subject to strict conditions.
According to the president, the National Coronavirus Command Council has discussed proposals put forward by religious leaders and acknowledged the impact that the closure of places of worship has had on the public.
“We have a responsibility to take care of the spiritual and physiological wellbeing of all South Africans,” said Ramaphosa.
Churches, synagogues, mosques, temples and other recognised places of worship will be allowed to reopen under strict conditions which include the limitation of 50 people or less and the use of fabric masks.
Ramaphosa emphasised that all of these safety precautions must be applied without exception.
“Organisations must put protocols in place, such as the sanitisation of places of worship, before and after proceedings and rituals that carry the slightest risk of exposure to Covid-19 must be avoided.”
Ramaphosa added that religious leaders will be recognised as essential workers for their faith-based work.
“Leaders in the faith community provide spiritual guidance and counselling to millions of South Africans and we are immensely grateful that from the start of this health crisis they have stood with us and provided their support and encouragement,” said Ramaphosa.
Religious leaders will continue to officiate funerals, with no more than 50 people allowed to be in attendance, and play a proactive role in raising awareness of issues around the coronavirus in their services.
In addition, the president has announced that the country will observe a National Day of Prayer on 31 May to remember those who have been affected by the pandemic.
“We should remember those who are working to keep us safe, those who are suffering, grieving and those who are lonely and afraid,” added Ramaphosa.
“Whether you are a person of faith or not, there is one belief that unites us; and that is our belief in South Africa, in its people, in their courage and in their ability to overcome even the greatest of tribulations.”
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