Covid-19: ZCC announces that it will remain closed during Level 3

- The Zion Christian Church has announced that it will not be opening during Level 3 of the Covid-19 lockdown

- The nation's largest church has opted to remain closed until further notice amid the pandemic

- This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that religious gatherings would be permitted at this level

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South Africa's biggest church, the Zion Christian Church, has opted to place the safety of its congregants first amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Bishop Dr BE Lekganyane released a statement on Thursday saying that it is not yet safe to resume services at ZCC churches.

Lekganyane announced that the churches will, therefore, stay closed until further notice despite the green light from the government. This directive will affect all churches, even those situated outside of South Africa.

Briefly.co.za reported that President Cyril Ramaphosa had announced that religious gatherings would be permitted during Level 3 of the Covid-19 lockdown.

READ ALSO: Government allows congregational worship on Level 3 lockdown

However, strict regulations would apply, with many questioning the wisdom of allowing large groups of people to congregate during the pandemic.

Churches, mosques, temple, synagogues, and other official places of worship will be permitted to resume services as of June 1.

These services will be limited to a maximum of 50 citizens or less, depending on the amount of space available.

Ramaphosa also announced that a national day of prayer would be observed on May 31 ahead of the shift to Level 3:

"On this day, wherever we may be, I call upon you to turn your thoughts to all who have been affected by this pandemic."

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Source: Briefly News