The Religious Affairs Minister, Kofi Dzamesi, announced protocols for churches reopening to worshippers at a press conference at the Ministry of Information on Monday. The minister said anyone without a face mask should not be allowed entry to the church.
In addition, all congregants must wash theor hands with soap under running water or rub with alcohol-based hand sanitiser before entering the church.
People with underlying conditions are not permitted to attend church services.
He said religious bodies are to keep a database of worshippers to assist in contact tracing, should a COVID-19 case be recorded.
Congregants are to avoid shaking hands or making body contact, Dzamesi said. Sharing of items such as pens and jewellery on church premises should be discouraged.
The minister outlined the other protocols that churches must observe. Until further notice, he said, there will be no crowd dancing or waving of handkerchiefs in churches.
I. Thermometer guns or thermal scanners are provided for checking congregants’ temperature 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 (such as toilet surfaces) and frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs/handles, preferably every one to two hours, depending on the rate of use.
VII. Designate a holding room or area where anyone who becomes sick on the premises/at the event can be isolated from others while making arrangements for evacuation.
VIII. Regular disinfection of venues used by churches, preferably once every month. Fumigation and disinfection must be carried out with recognised entities such as 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, ie, 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 respect social distancing protocols, wearing of masks, regular handwashing, coughing and sneezing etiquette.
XII. Ensure a “No handshake”, “No hugging” and “No spitting” policy at all times.
XIII. Follow established procedures (as outlined in Annex 1) to enable evacuation if a congregant becomes sick during the event and has to be evacuated.
XIV. Form a COVID task force comprised 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 the Ghana Health Service.
XV. The COVID task force should call 112 or 311 for support to enable evacuation if anyone develops a fever, cough and difficulty in breathing during a service.
XVI. People who are unwell are not allowed to attend church.
XVII. Older people and people of any age with underlying medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, liver disease and asthma, are advised to stay away from church services.
XVIII. Sharing personal items such as watches, jewellery, 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. Sanitise microphones immediately after each use.
XXII. All who speak/sing in church (including pastors, Sunday school teachers, singers and announcers) must wear a face mask 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. To observe the social distancing protocols, laying on of hands should not be allowed.
XXVII. Spend at least five minutes of church service time to educate church members on COVID-19.
XXVIII. Provide separate seating areas for the aged and for family members who are together.
XXIX. The church is encouraged to mobilise resources to help individuals in need, including offering health facilities on church premises.
