Rwanda has approved the reopening of churches but with strict conditions meant to limit the spread of coronavirus.
The decision came on Wednesday night following a cabinet meeting.
Churches and schools were ordered shut across the country over four months ago (14 March), hours after the first case of COVID-19 was reported.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s office, churchgoers will now have to be registered at the entrance, maintain 1.5m distance.
Other guidelines include; compulsory use of face masks, congregants must not also give offerings in cash, children under the age of 12 will not be allowed in.
However, children between the ages of 13 and 18 are allowed to attend only in the company of a parent or guardian.
The Rwandan Governance Board also urged that every house of prayer must have hand sanitizers, infrared thermometers and measures to uphold the use of face masks.
The number of congregants is also very restricted to avoid overcrowding.
Churches, schools, bars, nightclubs and other venues were shut down in mid-March hours after Rwanda’s first COVID-19 infection was confirmed.
Rwandans have praised the decision while others have complained that bars and nightclubs which remain closed – should also be allowed to open.
Schools are however set to reopen in September.
Rwanda has recorded 1,435 cases of COVID-19 and four deaths.
