The Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) has implored church leaders to encourage their followers to adhere to COVID-19 protocols, as well as urge them to get vaccinated against the disease.
Speaking during a virtual COVID-19 response workshop on safe funeral management hosted by ZCC in partnership with the Health and Child Care ministry, ZCC secretary-general Kenneth Mtata said:
Faith leaders are crucial in dispelling myths and misconceptions around COVID-19. Of late, they have been instrumental in ensuring that believers have the right information on vaccines as well as promote uptake of vaccines within the church.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday Cabinet resolved that churches can resume services, but only for fully vaccinated congregants who have had both doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
Congregants will also be required to wear masks, observe social distancing and sanitise on entry. Church leaders and congregants who breach the rules requiring double vaccination and other precautions will be arrested.
No limit was placed on the number attending a particular service, but previously the number was capped at 50.