There are continued mixed reactions towards government’s decision to reopen places of worship starting next week, under strict level three lockdown regulations. While several religious institutions have welcomed the move, other organizations have raised concerns over allowing people to visit places of worship amid the pandemic.
Those against the reopening of places of worship, argue that the reopening of churches could potentially cause a spike in coronavirus infections.
The Jesuit Institute of South Africa says people can practice their faith without the need to physically visit places of worship.
Its spokesperson, Father Anthony Egan, has encouraged people to pray and worship in their homes, rather than risking their lives in a public space.
“Most people will gather to pray together once a week, on a Sunday or a Friday night or Saturday. But in practice, all great religions would encourage people to pray every day and prayer can be done by yourself, with your family, in the places where you are.”
“It is good to have people coming together to pray, but it can be done by yourself. This time of lockdown should be encouraging religious communities to look at how they can help their members to pray in a new and different way,” explains Egan.
Confirmed cases of COVID-19 infections in South Africa
On Wednesday, Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize, announced that the number of COVID-19 death toll has increased to 552.
The number of cases has shot up by 1 673, taking the total to 25 937.
A total of 634 996 tests have been conducted to date.
#COVID19 Statistics in South Africa as at 27 May 2020. pic.twitter.com/7vx6h3NX0P
— Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) May 27, 2020
As of today, the total number of confirmed #COVID19 cases in South Africa is 25 937, the total number of deaths is 552 and recoveries to date are 13 451. pic.twitter.com/EoM3BJIj1E
— Dr Zweli Mkhize (@DrZweliMkhize) May 27, 2020
