Rwanda – Rwanda has allowed churches to re-open but with strict conditions meant to limit the spread of coronavirus, said a statement by the prime minister’s office.
Churches and schools were ordered to shut down across the country on 14 March, after discovering the first case of Covid-19.
Churches will now be allowed to re-open, with strict restrictions.
Churchgoers will have to register at the entrance, maintain a 1.5m distance and must wear a mask. They will not be allowed to give offerings in cash and children under the age of 12 will not be allowed in.
Bishop Philippe Rukamba of the Council of Catholic Bishops in Rwanda said that when they were allowed to reopen “Catholic tradition order of Mass would remain the same, but the how would change”.
Online, Rwandans have praised the decision while others have complained that bars should also be allowed to open.
Schools will remain closed until September.
Rwanda has recorded 1,435 cases of Covid-19 and four deaths.
