Places of worship to reopen in level 3 lockdown

Published May 26, 2020

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CAPE TOWN - Churches, mosques and synagogues may resume religious services as long as these are limited to 50 people or less, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Tuesday night.

The president's announcement comes after a meeting of the National Coronavirus Command Council which considered the inputs made by the sector in recent consultations with interfaith leaders.

He cautioned that all precautions must be taken to ensure the safety of congregants and that the wearing of masks is compulsory.

"Any religious rituals that carry even the slightest possibility of exposing worshippers to risk should be avoided and that where they form an essential part of religious practice, that sanitation is paramount," Ramaphosa said.

Religious leaders will be recognised as essential religious frontline workers for the purpose of spiritual counselling for members of their faith organisations, he said.

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