These churches will not be meeting Sunday
THE list of churches refusing to meet at their chapels in large numbers to hold religious meetings has increased after President Akufo-Addo relaxed restriction protocols.
The decision of the churches is aimed at eliminating physical contact to limit the spread of the dreaded coronavirus.
Sunday, June 7, will be the first Sunday since Mr Akufo-Addo announced on May 31 that religious gatherings could resume.
Churches and public gatherings were banned three days after Ghana recorded its first cases on March 12.
Almost three months later, President Nana Akufo-Addo announced that churches could hold meetings with congregants not exceeding 100.
However, the services are not to be held for more than an hour, and attendees are required to wear face masks.
Churches and mosques to be closed down for non-compliance – Dzamesi
Additionally, a database of congregants is to be taken during every gathering, regular hand washing and sanitising are also to be observed in addition to all other anti-coronavirus protocols.
Some churches have suspended physical meetings indefinitely, while others have postponed to a later date, opting to hold online services.
Below are some churches whose premises are expected to be shut tomorrow.
Kingsway International Christian Centre (KICC)
In a statement signed by its National Superintendent, Andrew Yawson, the church said, “The Leadership of KICC Dominion Centre has decided to continue holding virtual services until such a time when we are confident of holding safe and effective in-person services for our congregation and members of the public”.
International Central Gospel Church (ICGC)
ICGC has said all of its assemblies across the country should remain closed.
In a communique to pastors and local assemblies outlining the re-opening of its branches, the church’s Presbytery, the highest decision-making body, said all of its branches were to remain closed until further notice.
“No ICGC local assembly shall be opened to run in-person church services until so advised by the Presbytery,” it said.
Perez Chapel
The Founder and Presiding Bishop of the Perez Chapel, Bishop Charles Agyinasare noted in a press release on June 2 that the main branch at the Perez Dome, Dzorwulu “will remain closed for church services until further notice”.
However, branches across the country “with relatively smaller congregational sizes will open and will comply with all the protocols mentioned by the President of the Republic”.
The Maker’s House Chapel
The Head Pastor for Maker’s House Chapel, Dr Michael Boadi Nyamekye, disagreed the churches should be meeting in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
“Looking at our congregation size, a number of services required, health of the active players in a service, overhead cost, pressure on equipment and facility.
“I deem it fit to announce to you that TMH (Destiny Arena) will remain closed for some time until we have clarity and the sanctions relaxed some more,” he said in a statement.
Victory Bible Church
In a statement dated June 3, Presiding Bishop of the Victory Bible Church, Rev N.A. Tackie-Yarboi told his congregants ”leadership directs that all Victory Bible Churches remain closed…”
He said, “We are holding on to the resumption of church services until all our sanctuaries are adequately prepared…”
His reason was that,” The threat of COVID-19 is unfortunately still prevalent and the number of infections is sadly rising in the country”.
Rev Tackie-Yarboi emphasised, “There is still a significant level of ignorance amongst the citizenry on how the virus spreads, how to keep sad and many other attendant issues”.
Other churches expected to be closed on June 7 are Gateway Baptist Church, Calvary Baptist Church and Spirit Life Revival Church.
Meanwhile, Ghana’s cases have soared to 9, 462 with 3, 547 recoveries and 44 deaths as of Saturday, June 6.
The guidelines for churches presented by the Religious Affairs Minister, Kofi Dzamesi, after the President’s announcement are as follows:
I. Thermometer guns or thermal scanners are provided for checking the temperature of congregants at entry points of all venues as necessary.
II. Ensure a No mask: No entry Policy
III. Provision of handwashing facilities with running water and soap and/or FDA approved alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
IV. Provision of adequate waste management facilities (bins, cans, bin-liners and single-use tissues).
V. Provision of adequate toilet facilities for use by members.
VI. Regular cleaning and disinfection of frequently used communal places (like toilet surfaces) and frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs/handles, preferably every 1-2 hours depending on the rate of utilization.
VII. Designate a holding room or area where a person who becomes sick at the premises/event can be isolated from others while making arrangements for evacuation.
VIII. Regular disinfection of venues used by churches, preferably once every month. For example, fumigation and disinfection must be carried out with recognized entities like Zoomlion.
IX. Trained cleaners with the necessary personal protective equipment and cleaning items to clean the facilities regularly and handle waste appropriately.
X. Provide adequate ventilation, i.e. open windows to allow for maximum circulation of fresh air, if possible, avoid confined air-conditioned rooms.
XI. Display approved health promotion materials on COVID-19 at vantage points to remind congregants to keep to social distancing protocols, wearing of the masks, regular handwashing, coughing, and sneezing etiquette.
XII. Ensure a No handshake, No hugging and No Spitting policy at all time.
XIII. Follow established evacuation procedures (as outlined in Annex 1) to enable evacuation if a congregant becomes sick during the event and has to be evacuated.
XIV. Form COVID task force comprising of members who are preferably health workers. They must be trained in Health Promotive prevention measures, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and Evacuation Procedures by Ghana Health Service.
XV. The COVID task force should Call 112 or 311 for support to enable evacuation if anyone develops fever, cough, and difficulty in breathing during service.
XVI. Unwell Persons are not allowed to attend church
XVII. Older persons and people of any age with underlying medical conditions, heart diseases, diabetes, liver disease, and asthma are advised to stay away from church service
XVIII. Sharing personal items such as watches, jewelry, pens and phones should be discouraged.
XIX. If an individual is confirmed positive for COVID-19, all contacts must be traced and screened.
XX. No crowd dancing and waving of handkerchiefs during church services.
XXI. Sanitize microphones immediately after each use.
XXII. All who speak/sing in churches (including Pastors, Sunday school teachers, Singers and Announcers) must wear facemask during service.
XXIII. Discourage singing in groups. Pre-recorded songs or solos should be used.
XXIV. Pre-packaged communion bread and wine should be picked up by members at the point of entry.
XXV. Place offering bowls at the entrance and exit points for members to give offerings and tithes when entering or on their way out of church premises. Encourage cash transfers via mobile money or mobile banking as forms of giving offerings.
XXVI. In observance of social distancing protocols, laying on of hands should not be allowed.
XXVII. Spend at least 5 minutes of church service time to educate church members on Covid-19.
XXVIII. Provide separate sitting areas for the aged and for families that are together.
XXIX. The church is encouraged to mobilize resources to help individuals in need, including offering church health facilities.
New covid-19 protocols won’t favour Muslims – Sheik Aremeyaw