Coronavirus: Lockdown clarifications see people allowed in church for Holy week

The health ministry on Saturday issued three clarifications to the lockdown measures announced on Friday.

The lockdown will last from April 26 to May 9 in an attempt to stem the rapid spread of Covid infections, which are threatening to overrun the island’s health system.

From May 10 onwards, visiting crowded venues will require a negative Covid test or being vaccinated or having gone through the illness in the past three months

Friday’s guidelines dictated that during the two weeks the public will be allowed a single outing via text message per day. Saturday’s announcement specified that this will not apply on Easter Sunday, when two text messages will be permitted.

In addition, those transporting soldiers to and from army camps will not have to send a text message to do so.

Lastly, it was announced that people could attend church services throughout Holy Week with conditions.

Between Holy Monday and Holy Friday only up to 50 people will be allowed inside churches, as long as they can present a vaccine certificate dated back at least three weeks.

Unvaccinated members of the public will be allowed to attend mass in church courtyards but will have to be seated and observe social distancing and other health protocols.

As regards Holy Saturday, again, up to 50 people will be allowed inside the church but on this occasion, not only people who have been vaccinated but everyone. The curfew will be extended until an hour after midnight to accommodate churchgoers. Worshippers will be allowed in church courtyards on Easter Sunday but must be seated.