COGTA Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma said on Friday that religious leaders or persons in charge of churches should ensure health, hygiene, social distancing are observed and ensure that every person entering a place of worship wears a cloth face mask covering both mouth and nose.
This follows an announce by President Cyril Ramaphosa this week that churches, mosques, temples, synagogues and other places of worship will be allowed to open their doors from June 1 under Level 3 lockdown.
In a statement issued on Friday, Dlamini-Zuma said according to the new regulations, worshippers were also required to keep a distance of 1.5 m between them.
“Social distancing is important and should be observed, with no physical contact and ensure that there is 1.5metres between persons. Even with the prescribed social distancing, wearing of masks is compulsory for the duration of the church service,” said Dlamini-Zuma detailing how the regulations on Level 3 will be treated.
The new level seeks to open up the economy by allowing more people to return to work while observing safety restrictions to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Some of the regulations were announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday.
“Persons entering places of worship should be screened for symptoms associated with COVID-19, namely cough, fever, sore throat, shortness of breath, or difficulty in breathing. Anyone who presents these symptoms should not be allowed to enter a place of worship,” said Dlamini-Zuma.
Meanwhile, in terms of the new regulations, the sale of alcohol will be allowed between Monday and Thursday while restaurants are allowed to open their drive-throughs and for collections.
The national curfew has also been lifted.
Exercise will be allowed between 6:00 and 18:00 and large gatherings are still prohibited with a few exceptions.
All domestic workers and other care workers employed in private households may return to work, subject to adequate safety measures.
The employer is also required to issue them with a permit.
(Compiled by Inside Politics staff)
