Excited about Churches in Uganda resuming congregational prayer services after over three months of lockdown?
In the new era of social distancing, a cross-section of born-again Pastors have suggested asking Churchgoers to register in advance because seating will be limited in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The suggestion was fronted Wednesday by Pastor Michael Kyazze of Omega Healing Centre during a meeting between Ministry of Health officials, National Fellowship of Born again Churches and Inter Religious Council of Uganda.
They were discussing modalities of enforcing the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to combat the coronavirus before places of worship can be reopened.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni suspended religious gatherings on 18 March, 2020 as means to curb the spread of the Coronavirus.
Whereas he eased restrictions on other sectors including public transport over time, the ban on places of worship were to remain as scientists continue to study options for their safe resumption.
The communications coordinator for epidemics at the Ministry of Health Mr Richard Okwi told media reporters yesterday that pastors agreed to demonstrate how they can observe the SOPs and they resolved to try it out at Omega Healing Centre, Zzana along Entebbe Road.
About 200 church leaders were trained, received manuals and certificates.
“We have not only taught them about COVID-19, but also encouraged them to ensure they register every person that attends Church, put in place hand-washing services, sanitize microphones or anything else that gents to be shared as well as sanitizing the chairs and tables,” he noted.
Pastor Kyazze stated that preregistration will allow everyone to sit at a safe distance from others.
He noted that even-though Omega Healing Centre has a seating capacity of 1500, they will scale down the number of worshipers to observe social distancing.
“Those seeking to attend service on Sunday will have to call on Friday to book a seat. Each session for the Church service will accommodate 200 people bringing the total number of worshipers in the three sessions to 600,” he said.
