Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs Minister, Samuel Kofi Dzamesi, has outlines guidelines prior to reopening of churches and mosques starting from Friday 5th June 2020.
He has also directed churches and mosques to form COVID-19 Task Forces as part of measures to ensure congregants are safe from the novel Coronavirus pandemic.
Below are some guidelines for churches:
I. Thermometer guns or thermal scanners are to be provided for checking the temperature of congregants at entry points.
II. No mask, No entry Policy to be enforced
III. Provision of handwashing facilities with running water and soap and/or FDA approved alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
IV. Provision of adequate waste management facilities (bins, cans, bin-liners and single-use tissues).
V. Provision of adequate toilet facilities for use by members.
VI. Regular cleaning and disinfection of frequently used communal places (like toilet surfaces) and frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs/handles, preferably every 1-2 hours depending on the rate of utilization.
VII. Designate a holding room or area where a person who becomes sick at the premises/event can be isolated from others while making arrangements for evacuation.
VIII. Regular disinfection of venues used by churches, preferably once every month. For example, fumigation and disinfection must be carried out with recognized entities like Zoomlion.
IX. Trained cleaners with the necessary personal protective equipment and cleaning items to clean the facilities regularly and handle waste appropriately.
X. Provide adequate ventilation, i.e. open windows to allow for the maximum circulation of fresh air, if possible, avoid confined air-conditioned rooms.
XI. Display approved health promotion materials on COVID-19 at vantage points to remind congregants to keep to social distancing protocols, wearing of the masks, regular handwashing, coughing and sneezing etiquette.
XII. Ensure a No handshake, No hugging and No Spitting policy at all time.
XIII. Follow established evacuation procedures (as outlined in Annex 1) to enable evacuation if a congregant becomes sick during the event and has to be evacuated.
XIV. Form COVID task force comprising of members who are preferably health workers. They must be trained in Health Promotive prevention measures, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) and Evacuation Procedures by Ghana Health Service.
XV. The COVID-19 task force should Call 112 or 311 for support to enable evacuation if anyone develops fever, cough, and difficulty in breathing during service.
Source: Mybrytfmonline/Evans Boateng
