Anglicans adhere to SOP during service
KOTA SAMARAHAN: Anglicans here were seen adhering strictly to the guidelines set by the government in containing the spread of Covid-19.
Less than 60 people were recorded attending the first service after more than three months at St Francis’ Anglican Church here at 6.45am yesterday because it imposed strict rules for church goers in compliance with the government’s guidelines during the Recovery Movement Control Order to combat the spread of Covid-19.
“It is good that the church imposed such measures for the good of everyone who come to church. I am sure all church members have understood by now why such rules are imposed in the first place,” said a church warden Hillary Pathi.
Hillary also said that ever since the church started holding services again, those who came have followed all the procedures and were also aware of the SOP set by the government during the RMCO.
According to a church member and staff Stanley Kiew, it’s good there are proper guidelines provided by the government for places of worship which would make the worshippers feel safe when attending services.
“However, many are still unsure whether they should attend church service or not during this RMCO. We assure that the church will follow all the guidelines provided by the government and that those who want to come to church can do so now,” said Stanley.
He also said those who want to attend church service during the RMCO must however register their names so that there would be seats reserved for them.
Houses of worship are only allowed to operate at two-third capacity during the RMCO with the maximum 250 participants at any one time.
“I feel safe attending church service with the guidelines in place set by the government, and also rules set by this church for those who want to attend services,” said another parishioner Christabelle Rebasha.
Another parishioner Rofina Michele said as long as members understand and obey all the guidelines, there won’t be any problem for churches to hold services.
Meanwhile, parish priest Rev Canon Dennis Gimang said they would try to accommodate as many church goers as possible during a service.
“We have taken appropriate steps such as opening our parish hall to take in extra worshippers.
“Also, please check with our office for bookings and other information about church service,” he said.
Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail
It is good that the church imposed such measures for the good of everyone who come to church. I am sure all church members have understood by now why such rules are imposed in the first place. Hillary Pathi
Sabri Yaakob said that places of worship in the country were required to follow the SOP set for such places, such as practising social distancing, temperature scanning and the recording of attendance.
He, however, said the state governments still had the authority whether to allow any of non-Muslim places of worship to operate at the moment.
The Sarawak government has allowed non-Muslim places of worship to reopen during the RMCO, starting June 20 with the maximum 250 participants allowed at any one time.