Chronicle Editor
ACCORDING to Seybold & Hill (2001), the effect of religion on a person’s physical health has revealed it has a positive attribution to their lifestyle. Government has recognised the outcry by worshippers in our largely Christian nation.
The decision may seem untimely, but should be managed nonetheless to prevent major spread of Covid-19. The announcement allows only fully-vaccinated people to now attend church services. No limit has been set in place on the number attending a particular service as yet.
It is imperative that, before opening, each religious institution should set up a health committee comprised of people with skills and knowledge of the specific Covid-19 guidelines. The committee’s task is to set a policy that is relevant to their congregation’s needs in keeping with the national Covid-19 guidelines.
Cleaning should be meticulous. Ensure that the church building interior is appropriately cleaned paying particular attention to any detritus (rat droppings, bat droppings etc) that may have gathered. Mats may be shampooed, sofas sanitised, and special attention given to cleaning and sanitising door handles, light switches and microphones. Floors and benches to be wiped off before and after meetings.
Disinfecting should be done before and after service. Use sanitisers proven to destroy coronavirus, as per manufacturers’ instructions.
The following have been seen to be effective against Covid-19: hydrogen peroxide, bleach (sodium hypochlorite), 60 percent alcohol and ammonium. Metal surfaces can also be cleaned with industrial denatured alcohol (IDA), such as methylated spirits or isopropanol.
Ensure toilets are kept clean, use liquid rather than a bar of soap, and where possible, provide paper towels as an alternative to hand dryers in hand washing facilities. If regular cleaning of toilets is challenging you may need to think about limiting access, for example having two people in at a time.
Run all the taps (to minimise the risk of legionella) and flush toilets. Run the water from all taps and other hot and cold water-outlets for at least five minutes to ensure the water system has been thoroughly flush through.
Outdoor areas generally require normal routine cleaning and do not require disinfection. Spraying disinfectant on sidewalks and in parks is not an efficient use of disinfectant supplies and has not been proven to reduce the risk of Covid to the public. You should maintain existing cleaning and hygiene practices for outside.
There should be one controlled entrance where ushers will:
Keep a register attendance making note of the name, gender, age, phone number, address, temperature and bar code on vaccination card.
Ensure all attendees are wearing masks correctly at all times.
Check temperatures, if greater than 37,5 degrees Celsius the Covid rapid response team should be informed.
Sanitise all persons or ensure hands are washed with soapy water.
Posters should be designed and placed strategically within the premises. They should highlight;
Physical distancing of at least 2 metres in all directions.
No hugging or shaking of hands.
No walking in groups.
Avoid touching the face.
Avoid leaning against surfaces.
Correct wearing of mask at all times.
Cough etiquette.
Clear marking should be laid out to the sitting area. Windows must be open to keep the building well ventilated. There should be no sharing of hymn books or Bibles. If the institution has a projector, this may be used to project the hymns and Bible verses for the day.
Vulnerable groups may be excused from mass, for example the elderly, the unwell suffering from poorly-controlled diabetes mellitus and heart conditions. All worshippers should understand the importance of not attending services when they are ill, especially with flu-like symptoms. Travellers from “hot zones” should not attend church until such a time when they have been confirmed to be Covid-19 free.
Children may be separated from adult mass and participate in Saturday/ Sunday school that is specific to their spiritual growth.
Head of parish should have a hotline number so that those not fit to attend church can call in. Online streaming on social media platforms should be set up for those who can follow from home. If services are being streamed, the filming should be done with a fixed camera or by one videographer who will be in fixed station.
Service should be kept short, no longer than two hours. Several services of shorter duration may be held through the day to accommodate more worshippers. Cleaning and disinfecting should be done between services. Announcements can be posted on social media church groups to reduce time spent in church.
Payments and offerings should be done electronically where possible to avoid passing around the offering basket. Several offering baskets may be placed strategically around the house of worship for ease of making cash offerings.
Singing should be avoided as it may potentially propagate infection. Instrumental music or solo singing can fill slots where hymns are usually sung. Meeting of 30 members makes it easy to hear each other without microphones. However, if need be
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