With the spread of the deadly virus, churches across the world are adapting to various measures by government to stem the spread of the disease. In various parts, Church leaders and government work hand in hand to ensure that restrictions imposed do not affect religious activities. Where it affected, most are beginning to relax such restrictions.
In the United Kingdom, that is serious affected by the Covid-19, authorities said Churches and other places of worship may open for private prayer from Monday, 15 June.
In spite the opening, government instructed that there should be strict adherence to physical distancing rules but worship groups, weddings and other services are not permitted.
According to a government spokesperson, Mr Johnson said the reopening is regard to the Government’s recockon to the importance of people being able to have space to “reflect and pray, to connect with their faith, and to be able to mourn for their loved ones” during the unprecedented time.
“We plan to open up places of worship for individual prayer in a safe, Covid-secure way that does not risk further transmission.”
The French government, after two months of restriction, in May announced that from June it would allow the resumption of religious gathering. Meanwhile the Interior Ministry insisted that worshippers must wear face masks.
It however said such gathering would only be possible if conditions like wearing of masks, a distance of at least one metre between worshippers and hand-washing are observed.
In Germany, churches have reopened in May. The country has one of the highest confirmed cases but it has managed to reduce the number of deaths from the virus.
A state, Hesse, that experienced more cases as a rest of worshipers gathering, allows church activities under special guidelines including ensuring that worshipers keep five feet apart and churches have disinfectant readily available. Although some of its services are now back online to avoid more spread.
In the United States where President Donald Trump has called for the reopening of churches as states ease lockdown, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has given various pieces of advice and recommendations for faith organizations, including modifying such usual practices as collecting donations, avoid passing the plate, and avoid the use of a common cup or placing elements on a person’s tongue.
