Up to 50 worshippers will be able to congregate at a time, but some are criticizing the decision to ease restrictions, citing the move as a step away from a science-based approach
A small group of Muslim clerics pray before looking for the crescent moon which will signal the start of the month of Ramadan, in Seapoint on April 23, 2020, in Cape Town.A decision to allow religious gatherings in South Africa, after a two-month lockdown, has triggered a national debate over the political power of church leaders and the health hazards of places of worship.
The uproar is further fuelled by reports of “super-spreader” incidents in which church gatherings have led to scores of new coronavirus cases in South Korea, Germany, France and even in South Africa itself before the lockdown. Mr. Ramaphosa, in his speech to the country, said the shutdown of religious gatherings had “worsened the distress of communities who are unable to worship in congregation.” Religious leaders should be recognized as “essential” front-line workers “for purposes of spiritual counselling,” he said.While many church leaders welcomed Mr. Ramaphosa’s announcement, others were more critical.
“Particularly with the medical advice we’re getting, that at this time in our country we are particularly vulnerable, is the timing right now?”
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