The Africa Inland Church (AIC) on Wednesday informed
congregants that a number of guidelines will be introduced once places of
worship are reopened.
President Uhuru Kenyatta is expected to give the way forward
before the end of the week and the clergy are optimistic that churches will be
reopened but under strict rules to keep the Coronavirus at bay.
Through a statement, AIC noted that from Monday next week a
number of changes will be effected and they are as follows:
- Sitting plan with markings on the floor where chairs shall
be placed observing the 1.5 meters rule in all directions. Where benches are
used, there should be permanent marks on the benches showing the sitting plan.
This will mean planning for several services depending on numbers and size of
our sanctuaries. In Rural areas, people may hold one service with some or all
of them seated outside the church.
- During the worship service, everyone MUST wear face masks.
The preacher is allowed to remove his/her mask as they deliver the sermon.
- There must be hand washing tanks/cans with taps and hand
washing soap at different points. Hand sanitizers are to be applied at all
entrances.
- Large churches in towns shall be required to purchase
Sanitizer Booths as advised by the Ministry of Health.
- EVERY LOCAL CHURCH MUST have a THERMO GUN for measuring body
temperature before entering church. Ministry of Health to give guidelines on
where to purchase them.
- There shall be no Sunday School until schools reopen.
- Holy Communion and Baptismal services shall remain suspended
until further notice.
- Worship services shall be limited to 45 minutes-90minutes.
- All microphones and other equipment shall be sanitized
before and after use.
- There shall be no HARAMBEES in church.
- Pastors are required to start doing "Mock
services" from Monday 8th June, after the Presidential announcement in
order to get acquainted with the new procedures.
- All pastors must cooperate with Ministry of Interior and
Security officers who will be coordinating at the grassroots.