Churches in the spotlight ahead of Easter weekend

The Easter holiday is among the busiest in the country, with millions of churchgoers making their way to various pilgrimages across the country.  

Under the eased lockdown restrictions, there are fears church gatherings could become the site of super spread events. 

There are reports that the National Coronavirus Command Council (NCCC) has been advised to tighten restrictions. 

The South African Medical Association (SAMA) says it’s aware of the reports. 

“From SAMA’s side, we take notice of this, but it’s not been confirmed yet, it’s only an advice that was given or a suggestion that we should look at the gatherings over the Easter weekend,” says chairperson Dr Angelique Coetzee. 

“But it’s actually a much bigger problem so for SAMA’s side, yes, it’s true we can look at the gatherings, we can come up and say no church gatherings during this time but that’s not actually the problem,” she adds. 

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Coetzee believes the higher risk is in long commutes. 

“We are more concerned with the traveling impact and the loss of lives that you see, as well, during the Easter weekends than closing down the churches. 

“We’re not saying they’re not a problem, but the travelling is a bigger problem.” 

Although the country is under level 1 of the lockdown, there are growing concerns of a resurgence of cases. 

Scientists estimate the country will experience a third wave after the Easter week headed into the winter season.