Mbabane: After being banned for almost four months, religious gatherings have been opened.
This was announced by the acting Prime Minister Themba Masuku on Thursday when giving an update on the Covid-19 restriction.
Masuku announced that religious gatherings will be allowed under strict observance of Covid-19 health protocols with effect from Friday March 19, 2021.
“All worshipers are required to observe 1.5 metre social distancing, wear a mask at all times and sanitize. Services should not exceed two and a half hours, as regulated and should be held in well ventilated spaces. Standard operation procedures will be announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs,” he said.
Masuku also announced the resumption of community gatherings. Masuku said His Majesty’s Government recognizes the important role played by community gatherings in nation building initiatives. He said community gatherings will be allowed effective from March 19, 2021.
Masuku said these will be restricted to 100 people in open settings. Like all other gatherings, Masuku said these will also take place under strict COVID-19 protocols such as strict wearing of masks, washing of hands with running water and soap or sanitizing and strict observance of 1.5 metres social distancing.
Masuku noted that over the past two months, government has effected restrictions at the height of the second wave which had stretched the health systems to the limit.
“While the number of deaths and new infections remains consistently low, we have to remain vigilant,” he said.
