Church bans processions a week to Palm Sunday

The Interfaith Council chairman, Archbishop Anthony Muheria (pictured), has said no processions or night vigil services are allowed, in line with measures in place to curb the spread of Covid-19.

The directive comes a week before Palm Sunday, where most churches remember Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem by having their own parade to reenact the event.

In a statement on Monday, Muheria said the Church has noted the increase of the daily Covid-19 infection cases and deaths.

He also asked the government to help churches that cannot afford sanitisers.

The Interfaith Council met on March 17 and decided to urge all congregants in places of worship to sanitize before and after the service.

“Where possible, it is preferable to have services in the open air.”

The council urged all congregants to wear masks throughout the service.

“We appeal to religious leaders to insist on the proper wearing of masks, covering both nose and mouth.”

The leaders of the service must also wear the mask throughout, even when speaking to the microphone.

Muheria said all physical contact must be avoided in places of worship, and regular sanitization of microphones or objects used by more than one person done frequently.

All worship services should not exceed 120 minutes.

Muheria added that residents should avoid attending funerals except for close relatives. "We need to reduce the attendants at funerals to 100. This basically means only family members are required."

He further called for strict social distancing enforced in the arrangement of chairs, and people reminded to observe social distance even if they may be seated on the ground.