KINGSTON, Jamaica, May 16, 2020 – As churches make preparations for almost back-to-normal services following the easing of government restrictions on public gatherings, set to take effect today, one pastor is urging caution, declaring that his congregation will not be heading back to church in a hurry, the Jamaica Gleaner reported on May 16.
An informal survey of places of worship by The Gleaner yesterday found a number in various stages of preparation, stocking up on hand sanitisers, mapping and measuring to ensure social distancing is observed and training staff in the use of temperature guns.
The Webster Memorial United Church in Half-Way Tree is ramping up preparation but its pastor, Astor Carlyle, advised that, “We as a congregation have taken a decision that we will not open until the 31st of May. We have decided that we would use these two weeks to prepare ourselves properly as with a congregation of more than 1,000 persons, as we have to make sure that we manage our health properly.”
He explained that in doing their measurements for social distancing, they realised they can only safely accommodate 100 persons and have already put in place teams to facilitate the sanitisation of persons who come into the building. Space markers have been placed outside the sanctuary to ensure social distancing.
“We don’t believe that this is something that we must just rush into because we must properly prepare to receive those who come to worship. Come the 31st of May, we will be having two services of about one hour with the first one starting at 8:00 a.m. and the next at about 10:00 a.m. or 10:15 a.m. to allow us to have about 50 minutes to sanitise the place.” See full article in the Jamaica Gleaner at http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/lead-stories/20200516/churches-ready-service-webster-memorial-urges-caution
