The Ministry of Health has amended its guidelines to allow religious organisations to accommodate 40% of their usual congregation, Minister of Health, Dr Frank Anthony last night told Stabroek News.
The amendment comes following push back from religious organisations over the capacity at which bars are allowed to open as opposed to religious organisations.
In the latest COVID-19 Emergency Measures guidelines gazetted at the end of January, the Ministry of Health said bars are allowed to open at 40% capacity while religious organisations were allowed to operate at 25% of their capacity. The new amendment is expected to be gazetted soon, Anthony said.
Under the guidelines it stated that all places of worship may be opened for religious services, funerals or weddings.
It was advised that persons experiencing flu like symptoms should stay away from services or gatherings. However, every place of worship should have an identified room to isolate a person if he or she develops any flu-like or respiratory symptoms. The Ministry of Health should also be notified of any such development.
