Religious leaders have been advised to avoid touching congregants when blessing them, baptising and officiating marriages in an attempt to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

"Until the virus is contained, religious leaders should avoid touching congregants when blessing them, baptizing, officiating marriages among others"

On Thursday 12th March 2020, the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda together with Hon Jane Ruth Aceng and Ministry of health team convened at the IRCU secretariat to discuss the global COVID-19 and mitigation factors to prevent the disease spreading into the country.

During the meeting, the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda Council of Presidents, IRCU drafted supplementary guidelines for all religious institutions that will help to prevent the importation and spread of the coronavirus;

1. Offer prayers to seek the Lord’s guidance and intervention amidst the coronavirus outbreak so that God can heal our land.

2. Create awareness on COVID-19 through our pulpits, fellowships and other religious related gatherings.

3. Accord specific slots to medical personnel during services and Khutbahs or special announcements to educate congregants on how they can stay safe.

4. Mobilize volunteers at churches and mosques to champion proper hygiene like handwashing for congregants and proper waste disposal

5. Until the virus is contained, we should avoid hugging and shaking hands during time for wishing each other peace or any other greeting.

6. Ensure that all religious institutions; churches, mosques, synagogues, hospitals, schools, cells, fellowships have chlorinated water, soap and sanitizers and sensitize on their use.

7. Beware of false information and remedies. Ensure that all faith-based media houses report approved information on the COVID-19

8. In the event that you are visiting those sick with the virus, ensure that you use protective wear like mouth and nose masks.

9. Until the virus is contained, religious leaders should avoid touching congregants when blessing them, baptizing, officiating marriages among others

10. Religious leaders should disinfect their hands before handling holy communion

11. Religious leaders and indeed all the faithful should live by example!

12. Everyone should stay vigilant and adhere to these preventive guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health

Coronavirus has left more than 3,800 people dead and more than 109,000 people infected. There is currently no clear treatment for it.