Via Citizen Digital

Kenya’s Interfaith council on National Response to Coronavirus Pandemic reviewed COVID-19 protocols that will guide worship across the country, in a statement to the press on Saturday. 

The new guidelines follow the lifting of the nationwide, dusk-to-dawn curfew. 

Places of worship that have previously been operating at a third of their capacity will now be allowed to admit two-thirds of their capacity. 

“This translates to distancing of 0.6 m between congregants,” Archbishop Anthony Muheria, the chairman, interfaith council, said on Saturday. 

“Our fight against the Corona pandemic continues. We are however very grateful to God that the infections rates have dropped to under 5% for the last two weeks, and the number of Covid related deaths decreased dramatically,” 

Faithfuls will still  be required to wear their masks during worship, as well as observing the proper hygiene which includes sanitizing before and after worship sessions. 

“Worshippers must continue sustaining the efforts to live up to the preventive hygiene measures of always wearing masks during worship, sanitizing before and after worship, and ensuring regular sanitization of places of worship,” the statement added. 

Churches will also be required to monitor the body temperatures of all worshippers who attend service.

Regarding funerals and weddings, the council has directed that only 300 people be allowed in funerals and 150 people in weddings. 

“From the experience we have had as a country, we strongly encourage all Religious leaders, to still exercise caution in all religious ceremonies, and where possible, still work with reduced numbers,” the council added. 

The council also forbids the service of food at all religious ceremonies to minimize contagion risks. 

At the same time, the council appealed to Kenyans to stay on alert, lest they reverse the gains that have been achieved so far. 

The council added that Kenyans must not allow the Covid-19 virus to take control again due to irresponsible behaviour.

“We plead with all Kenyans to be responsible, especially in the entertainment places and Political gatherings, since these have the potential of becoming hot spots of infections. l, and returning us back to serious infection wave.” the statement reads.