Churches across Swaziland
(eSwatini) were thrown into confusion after the Swazi Government announced a
partial reopening from coronavirus lockdown and hours later changed its mind.
This was not the first time
the government announced changes to its lockdown policy only to overturn its
decision.
The latest confusion began
when Minister of Home Affairs Princess Lindiwe announced on Saturday (9 May 2020) that churches would be
allowed to reopen but had to keep congregations to 70 percent of the church’s
capacity. Hours later the Swazi Cabinet announced the rule had been changed.
Instead, a maximum of 70 people would be allowed in churches.
At present the regulations
guiding the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown restrict gatherings to a maximum of
20.
The decision to allow
restrictions to be relaxed in churches came after lobbying from church leaders.
No explanation was given as to why churches were given preferential treatment
over other places where people gather, such as parks.
The Times of
eSwatini on Monday reported the
public reacted on social media with ‘shock and outrage’ at the news of the
relaxation of the regulation. It quoted one post saying, ‘Let
me just say that the decision to increase the number of people attending
churches clearly shows that there is absolutely no scientific research that is
informing government’s actions, but pure self-interest.’
This was not the first reversal by the Swazi
Government. On 15
April 2020 the partial lockdown of Swaziland that had
run for three weeks was relaxed. Days later
it was tightened. Prime Minister Ambrose Dlamini said
people had become complacent and an increasing number of people were casual and
lacked vigilance.
As of 10 May two people had died from coronavirus in
Swaziland and 172 tested positive, according to official Ministry of Health
figures.
See also
Swaziland
Govt. tries for second time to ease coronavirus lockdown after previous attempt
failed
Coronavirus
lockdown costs thousands of jobs in Swaziland, people evicted from homes
Swaziland
King shows double standards about keeping safe from coronavirus
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