Government Increases Numbers for Religious Gatherings Over Easter
- Religious leaders are grateful for the ease of restrictions in terms of faith-based organisations for Easter celebrations
- President Cyril Ramaphosa stated that meetings were held with faith-based organisations about the restrictions
- Many organisations seem to be pleased with Ramaphosa's nation's address and the easing of some restrictions
PAY ATTENTION: Join Briefly News' Telegram channel! Never miss important updates!
Religious and faith-based organisations were able to breathe a sigh of relief after President Cyril Ramaphosa's nation's address on Tuesday evening. Ramaphosa stated that consultations were held in recent weeks with faith communities.
The president stated that religious gatherings are restricted to 250 people indoors and 500 for outdoor venues. According to Ramaphosa, if a venue is too small for these numbers, no more than 50% of the capacity of the venue can be used.
This is an increase in the number of people allowed for gatherings and will be reviewed in 15 days.
Source: Getty Images
According to EWN, the SA Council of Churches said that religious leaders had asked for just half of the venue while in discussions with the government. The council stated that with the increase, most churches will be comfortable having 250 congregants for indoor venues.
President Ramaphosa also added that people should not congregate outside of their places of worship and that sleepovers after services are not allowed.
eNCA reported that other faith-based organisations welcomed the ease in restrictions during the Easter celebrations. African Christian Democratic Party leader Kenneth Meshoe said he was happy with the news.
Recently, Briefly.co.za reported that Ramaphosa had announced the changes made for the Easter period in terms of Covid-19 regulations. Ramaphosa announced a temporary ban on alcohol sales over the Easter weekend.
Ramaphosa said that the nation is not ready to relax its Covid-19 restrictions over the Easter period. However, the president did have some good news, the country was winning the war against Covid-19 with new infections and deaths continuing to decline and recoveries increasing.
Ramaphosa announced that the government has consulted many sectors of the country in regards to the Easter weekend.
He announced that the country will remain on level one. The curfew will remain the same, beaches, parks and dams will remain open under Covid-19 protocols which include social distancing and mask-wearing.
Enjoyed reading our story? Download BRIEFLY's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major South African news!
Source: Briefly News
