AFRICA/KENYA - Covid-19: churches re-open for worship next Sunday

Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) - Catholic Churches in Nairobi are set to reopen on July 19 in strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols from the Government.. "I urge you to take these guidelines seriously so that we may adequately prepare the faithful for the second phase of the reopening of our places of worship", said Cardinal John Njue, Archbishop of Nairobi, who asked each each Parish to form a COVID-19 response team to assist faithfuls to stick to the Health Ministry guidelines. The churches will be expected to provide hand washing stations or alcohol-based sanitizers for faithfuls to use before and after the gathering.
They will also be required to ensure that anyone who enters the church is wearing a face mask that covers the nose and mouth. Further, where possible, thermal guns will be used to detect those who may have indicators of illness.
Cardinal Njue further directed that during the COVID-19 pandemic baptism services for infants will remain suspended while anointing of the sick will be limited.
Ministers will be required to maintain social distance and wear face masks at all times.
On July 6, President Kenyatta announced the phased reopening of places of worship in the country but only if they comply with set regulations for public gatherings. The President established that people under the age of 13 years and those over the age of 58 as well as those with underlying health conditions shall not attend worship. Kenya has so far recorded 9,726 cases of coronavirus, 2,832 recoveries and 184 deaths. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 14/7/2020)

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