RESPONSIBILITIES OF HEADS OF LOCAL CHURCHES
- Complete and submit an online application form for the reopening of the church at least 3 days before the scheduled reopening date. A permit, which will be provided by email before the reopening, must be printed and displayed on the door of the church, during each session. All forms must be submitted to the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Religious Affairs and approval will be granted, based on approved national protocols and regulations.
- Calculate the number of attendees to be allowed in the building. The measurement to be used is 36 square feet, per person (using the seating space. Markers must be used on benches and chairs must be placed no less than 6 feet, in every direction.
- Provide for each service, appropriate facilities and adequate supplies not limited to, but including handwashing facilities, running water, soap, paper towels, hand sanitiser and disinfectant. A sanitising station must be set up close to the door, for people entering and leaving the building.
- Establish a separate room in the building, or in another location to accommodate an individual(s) who become sick during the service (with any Covid-19 symptoms), until they can safely leave, to seek medical attention.
- Establish visible signs/notices encouraging members to observe the protocols and practices to prevent the spread Covid-19.
- Share protocols and expectations with all members before the date of reopening
- Limit gatherings to one day per week, in the first instance. An additional day will be allowed for special liturgical services or regular weekday services. All other weekly activities/services must be conducted remotely, at this time.
- Ensure that all persons entering the building are wearing a mask and that it is worn for the duration of the service. When addressing the gathering, a speaker may remove his mask but MUST observe physical distancing of at least 12 feet, at all times.
- Ensure that members with underlying health conditions; children under 12-years-old; pregnant and nursing women; adults over 70-years-old; individuals with disabilities and those who might not be able to wear a mask, for the duration of the service, remain at home, until further notice. Church leaders over 70-years-old, required to officiate in a service, will be exempted.
- Sanitise the building, before each service. Frequently touched areas must be carefully sanitised before, during and after each service. All cleaning products must be used according to the directions on the label. All cleaners must follow guidelines from the Ministry of Health. Masks and gloves must be used by cleaners at all times.
- Ensure that transportation arrangements are in place, to ensure that all individuals leave immediately after the service. The national regulations must be used to determine the number of individuals, from different homes, who can share a vehicle and the seating arrangements.
- Announce, to the hearing of all members present at each service (before, during and at the end), the hygiene, sanitation and physical distancing protocols to be followed.
- Ensure physical contact among individuals is not allowed.
- Use stationary boxes for the collection of tithes and offering, ensuring a distance of 6 feet is maintained between those who are going to the box. Ensure a protocol is established for handling of monies. Six feet physical distancing must be maintained and hands must be sanitised immediately after.
- Ensure that physical distancing is observed where communion services are held. Individuals involved in distribution must wear gloves and must use hand sanitisers (containing at least 70% alcohol). For religions where this applies, ‘sharing of the cup’ is not allowed, at this time.
- Ensure that microphones and podiums are not shared. Each person must be assigned a microphone and/or podium, for the duration of the service, and it must be sanitised immediately after each service.
- Avoid the use of Air Conditioning (AC) units. Keep all windows and doors opened, during the service, if possible.
- Ensure services do not last for more than 90 minutes. An additional 30 minutes will be allowed to facilitate the departure of everyone. More than one service can be held on the same day, however there must be at least 90 minutes between each service, to facilitate proper sanitising of the venue.
- Assign a member(s), in each service, to monitor the observation of all protocols. A copy of the protocols must be made available to them.
RESPONSIBILITY OF COORDINATOR OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS
- Ensure that all requests are responded to within 2 working days.
- Ensure that only applications meeting the protocols approved by the Ministry of Health are approved.
- Ensure monitoring systems are in place.
FUNERALS
- A maximum of 10 individuals will be allowed to attend funeral services, whether in the church building, or at the graveside.
- All relevant protocols must be observed.
OTHER CEREMONIES
- A maximum of 10 individuals will be allowed to attend weddings, whether at the church, or the reception.
- All relevant protocols must be observed.
- All other ceremonies, including baptisms, should be suspended until further notice.
OPENING OF CHURCH OFFICES
- Church offices can be opened to facilitate administrative and counselling services, as well as distribution of supplies to needy people.
- All protocols must be observed
VIOLATIONS
Any Minister of Religion found in violation of the protocols for the reopening of churches will forfeit the opportunity to continue his/her ministry throughout the duration of the declared State of Emergency. A new application may be considered under new leadership.
KEY POINTS FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER SERVICES
- Maintain a 6 foot distance at all times.
- Stay home, if you are sick.
- Stay home if an individual/s from your household has/have been suspected, or was/were tested positive with Covid-19.
- Practice proper hygiene protocols. Wash hands often with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains at least 70% alcohol, if soap and water is unavailable. Hand soaps must not be diluted.
- Cough and sneeze into tissue and discard the tissue right after use into a bin, or, if there is no tissue, cough into your inner elbow. Wash your hands after coughing. Individuals must leave the building if they are coughing constantly.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close physical contact with others.
- Wear an appropriate face mask, covering your nose and mouth, upon entering, leaving and while in the building.
- Stay informed and follow the advice given by the Ministry of Health.
Emails concerning the reopening of churches must be addressed to the Permanent Secretary, at the Ministry of Education. All requests forms (link to be provided by the ministry online) must be submitted at least 3 working days prior to the proposed opening date. The email address related to the reopening of churches is [email protected].
For further clarification and details please call the following hotline numbers (Monday to Friday between 8 am and 4 pm):
- (473) 458-2580
- (473) 410-6832
- (473) 458-7371
The ministry will accept applications from Monday, 18 May 2020. Please use the link provided in the general correspondence to church leaders, to complete the form.
Government of Grenada
Why should someone tell someone to rot in hell for a statement which they make? Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. This is a very harsh unkind remark. Remember kindness is a fruit of the holy spirit.
Was it ever revealed where Grenada’s 15th confirmed case of covid19 contracted the virus? I seem to recall that he had no idea and if this correct, is there a possibility that there are still carriers out there amongst the population? Maybe some people are not reporting that they have had symptoms if their symptoms have only been mild and of course, there are the asymptomatic.
Grenada has successfully come this far in containing the virus with great sacrifice to the people of this Island. Let us not jump ahead of ourselves and throw all of that away.
It is too soon to be opening up for religious gatherings. Such gatherings have been responsible for large outbreaks of the virus across the world. Despite all the safety guidelines set out for church re-opening here, there will be those who will flout the guidelines. Is it really worth the risk?
For those people who are being so insistent on reopening, you are being selfish which is not a Christian act. You should be able to communicate with your God no matter where you are and this does not necessarily have to be a church. Have some discipline and consideration for your fellow man.
I need proof that religious gatherings is responsible for most of the outbreaks and I’m sure u don’t have that proof so before u make statements like that make sure u can back up your assumptions… correct me if I’m wrong, that is if u do have proof.
Great news – Grenada is ahead of the curve on this one, internationally. We can all worship safely together if these simple guidelines followed. Well done Grenada government for your clear guidelines (comment from UK). Not everyone has internet to be able to worship online. Best walk to church though and avoid public transport because you can’t control that.
May you rot in hell for your stupidity and ignorance
No such thing as hell, it’s all in your imagination just like heaven
I think this an overzealous overreaching overbearing requirement of the state. The House Of God is not and should not fall under the dictates of the state.. Wisdom is from GOD Almighty….. it is not the prerogative of the state
What’s next? Chris is the Head Of The Church..
Be very Careful… GOD is a God of Love but…. also a GOD Of Wrath… Be very Careful….The State Needs The Help of The Church…… Respect For this is Paramount
There is NO God, what’s wrong with you peoppr
Best you just keep churches closed.
Better the churches stay closed. Too much . Stare take over church.why do you have to apply to open church? Are you a business? Let us trust the Holy Spirit for guidance in this one. I dont think people are stupid. Let us pray for wisdom.
Much of this is directionally, but the Officials just cannot relax their virtual total control of the Public. Case in point – regarding Outdoor Funerals. Why limited to 10 persons if people conform to the required standards of social distancing, transportation protocols and the numerous out edicts? In the same way the Minister is responsible in a Church Service to ensure all the edicts are adhered to, why can they not do the same outside and allow the setting to dictate the “safe” number of attendees. The fact is that being outside is actually safer and healthier! Come on, stop with the total control. Are the “Officials” more responsible than a Minister conducting a service?