Rwanda re-opens churches as Malawi declares 3-day fasting against coronavirus

Rwanda has re-opened places of worship after four months of shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic. The government has, however, issued strict guidelines to contain the spread of the contagion in the eastern African country.

According to a statement from the prime minister’s office, churches are supposed to adhere to the following guidelines:

• Churchgoers will now have to be registered at the entrance, maintain 1.5m (4.9ft) distance and must wear masks
• Congregants must not give offerings in cash
• Children under the age of 12 will not be allowed in.

However, Rwanda is still keeping its borders closed to human traffic, except cargo and goods, as well as “returning Rwandan citizens and legal residents.” Schools also remain closed until September, the statement added.

Rwanda has recorded 1,435 cases of Covid-19 and four deaths.

Meanwhile, in Malawi the government has declared a three-day fasting and prayer session against the spread of the virus in the country. In a statement, President Lazarus Chakwera also earmarked Sunday as a national day of thanksgiving.

The fasting and prayer sessions begin Thursday, July 16, 2020.

“The president asks that prayers be lifted up for the recovery of those infected and affected by the virus; the protection and sustenance of healthcare workers on the front-lines of the fight, the protection and diligence of those who have not yet contracted the virus, the effectiveness of the presidential task force on Covid-19,” Information Minister Gospel Kazako said in a statement quoted by the BBC.

President Chakwera has over two decades of experience as a church pastor, having led the Malawi Assemblies of God church prior to going into active politics. He was elected on June 23, 2020 after a rerun against incumbent Peter Mutharika.