Pastors in Kampala have started working out procedures for Church services to resume amidst a highly contagious coronavirus outbreak.
A cross-section of Pentecostal pastors has put forward for consideration a series of actions to be followed by churchgoers as they resume congregational prayer services.
Pastor Michael Kyazze of Omega Healing Centre during a meeting with Ministry of Health officials fronted suggestions that would demonstrate social distancing during church services.
“Those seeking to attend service on Sunday will have to call on Friday to book a seat. Each session for the Church service will accommodate 200 people bringing the total number of worshipers in the three sessions to 600,” he said.
This form of preregistration is required because seats will be widely spaced and their number limited in an effort to stem the spread of coronavirus. Worshippers will sit at a safe distance from others to limit transmission.
The communications coordinator for epidemics at the Ministry of Health, Mr Richard Okwi told media reporters yesterday that pastors agreed to exhibit how they can observe the SOPs.
A demonstration is set to be performed at Omega Healing Centre in Zzana along Entebbe Road.
Church leaders were also implored to put in place hand-washing facilities, sanitize church equipment and furniture. This follows President Museveni's nod to religious leaders to discuss modalities that would limit any form of coronavirus spread in places of worship.
Mr Museveni suspended religious gatherings on 18 March 2020 as a means to curb the spread of the Coronavirus.
The virulent contagion has infected more than 15,401,277 people worldwide and caused 630,782 deaths.
President Museveni continues to ease restrictions on more sectors like public transport, re-opening of shopping malls and arcades. The ban on places of worship was to stay as scientists continue to study options for a safe opening.
Pentecostal pastors were seen last week protesting the continued closure of their places of worship saying that the church is an important place of refuge for those seeking peace, comfort, and healing.
Comments