Religious gatherings: SACC to comply with restrictions, Jewish community not ready
The South African Council of Churches (SACC) will set up a COVID-19 task team to ensure all churches comply with the regulations once religious gatherings resume on 1 June.
In a televised address on Tuesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa said churches, synagogues, mosques and other recognised places of worship will be allowed to resume gatherings, but will be limited to 50 people or less depending on the space available.
SACC general-secretary Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana says they have been working with leaders of the various churches to map the way forward.
"We have, therefore set norms and standard, which will be published, and all our church leaders are distributing the message so that people are trained and prepared. Every congregation will have a COVID task team to ensure that everything is managed according to the regulations."
He says measures will be put in place to ensure no more than 50 people attend a service.
The elderly, who are considered to be at greater risk, will be asked to stay at home.
"We are proposing some kind of rotation system and people to sign up ahead of time so that we can have a number to fit 50. We can have several services in the week as well as three Sunday services," says Mpumlwana.
"At the same time, we are saying the elderly and people with underlying conditions should stay at home."
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Meanwhile, the South African Jewish Board of Deputies (SAJBD) says the Jewish community will continue with online services until they are ready to comply with the restrictions.
SAJBD president Mary Kluk says consultations will begin on what needs to be done to ensure gatherings are limited to groups of 50.
"We are concerned about the safety of South Africans and congregants. We will be consulting with religious leaders in communities, medical support, and scientific experts to advise us on how we can ensure that all the protocols are observed."
