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CASTRIES, St. Lucia, May 11, 2020 (CMC) – The St. Lucia government announced, today, that community and faith-based organizations will be allowed to re-open, after receiving approval from the relevant authorities for measures, aimed at preventing the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
St. Lucia has, so far, recorded 18 cases of the virus, and has not recorded any associated deaths.
In a statement, the Office of the Prime Minister said that community and faith-based organizations that have prepared a COVID-19 Response Plan, with the new measures, and submitted to, and received approval, from the Ministry of Equity, Social Justice, Local Government and Empowerment, will be allowed to open.
According to the measures, the religious organisations must follow the six-foot distancing rule and that the number of attendees must be calculated, at a minimum of 30 square feet per person.
They must also ensure alternating rows of occupied and vacant seating, avoid holding hands during the service/prayers, avoid handshakes as a form of greeting/sign of peace and avoid hugging and greeting with a kiss.
The new measures also announces a modification in the method for collecting regular financial contributions and, that “instead of passing round a collection tray/basket, “use a stationary collection box; use the mail or electronic methods”.
The authorities said that congregations that practise communion could consider modifying or suspending this practice.
“Modifications could include: ensuring that religious leaders always wash their hands or use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 70 percent alcohol, prior to conducting the service and communion,” the authorities said, adding that sanitizing stations should be provided for the congregation, entering and leaving the building.
They also warned against crowd gathering, outside of the venues, before or after services.
