As part of measures of easing some restrictions on social gathering in the country, President Akufo-Addo has cautioned heads of the various religious bodies to ensure that it operates with a maximum of hundred (100) congregants to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus.
According to President Akufo-Addo, the move will help revive the spirit of togetherness amongst congregants as they will fellowship as a family at the various places of worship.
In his 10th address to the nation, President Akufo-Addo said “An abridged format for religious services can commence. Twenty-five percent (25%) attendance, with a maximum number of one hundred (100) can worship at a time in church or at the mosque”
He explained that the 100 congregants at the various churches and mosques have worship with a mandatory one metre of social distancing between them.
He noted that effective June 5, the country will begin stage one of the process of easing restrictions.
“In addition to the mandatory wearing of masks for all persons at all times at churches likewise mosques, a register of names and contact details of all worshippers and hand washing facilities and sanitizers must be provided with a maximum duration of one (1) hour for each service”
President Akufo-Addo religious leaders to ensure that their places of worship are well fumigated and disinfected with the requisite logistics needed to guarantee safe opening and operation.
He also revealed that the religious leaders must work with the designated, regulatory bodies and undertake test runs of the protocol I have outline.
President Akufo-Addo pleaded with the religious leaders to dedicate their first Sunday after Covid-19 to prayers for the nation in these.
He said “I would appeal to them, in the case of Christians, n the first Sunday of re-opening on the first Sunday of re-opening, i.e. 7th June, in the case of the Adventists, Saturday, 6th June, and in the case of Muslims, on the first Friday, i.e. Ṣalāt al-Jumuʿah on 5th June, to dedicate their worship to prayers for the nation in these challenging times”
President Akufo-Addo hinted that the Minister for Religious Affairs, will, tomorrow, Monday, 1st June, outline, in detail, the specific guidelines for the safe reopening of our churches and mosques.
Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith
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