Government Bans Church Services In Schools With Immediate Effect
The government of Zimbabwe has with immediate effect banned churches from conducting church services in schools saying they were increasing chances of spreading the virus when schools open later this month.
This was announced in a statement issued by the Minister of Primary and Secondary education, Cain Mathema.
In a statement Wednesday, Primary and Secondary Education minister Cain Mathema who said schools will only be allowed to open to O and A Level students sitting for their June examinations. He said:
It has come to the ministry’s attention that there are some organisations, including churches, that would like to use schools and structures during this Covid-19 period and as we prepare for the reopening of schools on July 28, 2020, I would like to state that school opening is only for June 2020 examinations and other levels would resume school when the health situation permits.
In light of this, I would like to confirm that government’s efforts will be at securing safe and secure reopening that meets the World Health Organisation’s guidelines.
Given the need to disinfect schools, and make other preparations, the schools will not open for use by any organisations until further notice.
Churches were recently allowed to resume services albeit under strict conditions including adherence to social distancing, use of hand sanitisers, temperature testing and limiting the number of congregants to 50.
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