SACC: Some churches will remain closed on level 1
The South African Council of Churches (SACC) says its Covid-19 task team will continue to ensure that all churches comply with the regulations when opening at full capacity.
President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday announced a move to level 1 of the lockdown after the country spent six months under strict Covid-19 restrictions.
Ramaphosa announced that an increase in the number of people allowed to attend religious gatherings.
The number of people who attend the gatherings must not exceed 50% of the normal capacity of a venue, with a maximum of 250 people for indoor gatherings and 500 for outdoor.
SACC general-secretary Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana says the council established a Covid-19 task team when it was announced in June that the religious gathering would be allowed to resume.
"Not all churches are able to open for 50%, due to lack of capacity to follow all protocols involved and ventilation issues. Some churches will continue to function online but not all churches have an online capacity.
“Some churches will remain closed, noting that Covid-19 pandemic is still with us and churches know that they have to do everything to slow down the infections."
He says church leaders will map a way forward for those which are ready to reopen.
"We will publish norms and standards which must be followed by all churches, ensuring that the social distancing protocols, the wearing of a mask and all ventilation protocols are followed."
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