South Africa to Allow Religious Groupings of Up to 50 People
- President eases restrictions on places of worship from June 1
- South Africa is preparing to loosen Covid-19 lockdown curbs
Commuters walk by as social distancing markers sit on the ground at a bus station in Johannesburg on May 14.
Photographer: Waldo Swiegers/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
South African places of worship will be allowed to reopen for the first time in two months on June 1 as the country eases a national lockdown aimed at limiting the spread of the coronavirus.
The decision to allow a maximum of 50 people to take part in religious gatherings was made after consultation with leaders, President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a televised address late Tuesday. The rule will form part of so-called Level 3 regulations, the next phase of the country’s gradual reopening of the economy, he said.