Mbabane: The decision to allow churches to swallow 70 percent capacity of members in their respective structures has been deferred by cabinet.
Starting last Sunday, May 10, 2020, churches were allowed to have 70 percent worshipers from their carrying capacities. Prime Minister Ambrose Mandvulo Dlamini announced in a press briefing on Friday, May 15, 2020 that the decision has been revoked and that only 20 people will be allowed in churches.
“Following cabinet decision on the opening of churches to allow as many people, that decision has since been deferred pending ongoing consultations with relevant structures. Churches will be limited to 20 people, observing the COVID-19 health regulations,” he said in a press briefing at cabinet offices.
Minister of Home Affairs Princess Lindiwe had announced a review of the number of people that can fellowship in churches from a previous 20 to 70 percent. When making this announcement, the minister was accompanied by the Conference of Churches President Bishop Steven Masilela, League of Churches President Bishop Samson Hlatshwayo and Chairman of Council of Churches Arch Deacon Bhekibandla Magongo.
After deferring the decision, the Prime Minister assured the nation that government will constantly continue to update on measures and phases to be taken in the COVID-19 response.
“We ask for committed vigilance from everyone in order to save lives and ensure that soon it will return to normality. It is when we are united in a purpose that we will be victorious,” he said.
How to reduce your chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19:
- Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
- Maintain at least one metre distance between yourself and others. Why? When someone coughs, sneezes, or speaks they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person has the disease.
- Avoid going to crowded places. Why? Where people come together in crowds, you are more likely to come into close contact with someone that has COIVD-19 and it is more difficult to maintain physical distance of 1 metre (3 feet).
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and infect you.
- Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately and wash your hands. Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene, you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
- Stay home and self-isolate even with minor symptoms such as cough, headache, mild fever, until you recover. Have someone bring you supplies. If you need to leave your house, wear a mask to avoid infecting others. Why? Avoiding contact with others will protect them from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.
- If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention, but call by telephone in advance if possible and follow the directions of your local health authority. Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
- Keep up to date on the latest information from trusted sources, such as WHO or your local and national health authorities. Why? Local and national authorities are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.
Discussion about this post