People aged 65 and over will now be required to gather in a special worship service. This is part of new instructions from the local government ministry governing the operation of churches during the health crisis caused by the covid-19 pandemic.
The new local government ministry instructions state that individuals 65 years of age and older will meet separately in a senior citizens’ service only.
“It is difficult to know who infected people of this age. Then they are at risk of catching severe covid-19. ” “In fact, it’s because there is no alternative, otherwise these people should not participate in religious worship,” he adds.
Severe covid-19 usually leads to breathing difficulties and can cause a heart attack. It is often fatal. The local government is encouraging churches to use the media and new technologies to promote family worship. For example, the number of participants in a worship service should not exceed 300 people per session, regardless of a church’s capacity. In addition, children under the age of 12 are not allowed to participate in worship outside the family.
A more significant social distancing
Particular emphasis has been placed on social distancing in the new instructions. A distance of at least two meters is required between one follower and another. While between the singers, at least a distance of three meters should be provided. Before between the followers, a distance of one meter had been required.
In addition, each church or mosque will have only one day of worship per week according to its beliefs. Muslims will meet for their weekly worship on Friday, Adventists on the 7th day on Saturday as usual, Catholics and other churches on Sunday.
Gerard Rugambwa
