Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
The Easter weekend lays ahead of us, with Newcastillians preparing to enjoy the time off from work, dedicating the period to family and friends. For some, it is a time of reflection, remembering the spiritual significance of Easter.
As the community braces itself for the long weekend, our town and country’s leadership imparts heartfelt messages to the community and nation as a whole.
Newcastle Mayor Cllr Dr Ntuthuko Mahlaba says, “People must remember to stay safe and that we are still in Alert Level 1 of the Lockdown.”
With this in mind, he emphasises that if residents are planning to hold or attend any activities, it is essential to adhere to the lockdown regulations, which includes implementing social distancing and the wearing of facemasks
For those planning to enjoy themselves at home, the mayor says it is imperative to ensure that large gatherings are avoided and kept to a minimum. “But most importantly, I would like to say, remain blessed during this time,” he concludes.
Reflecting on the festive period during his recent speech on the developments in South Africa’s response to the pandemic, President Cyril Ramaphosa said, “The Easter weekend is a time of spiritual significance, and attending religious services is important to millions of people. For Christians, congregational worship is an important part of celebrating Easter.”
He further explained that in recent weeks, the government had held consultations with faith communities to find mutually beneficial solutions to managing large crowds at religious services.
Following the consultation, the President said it had been determined religious gatherings over this period will be restricted to a total number of 250 people indoors and 500 outdoors. Where the venue is too small to accommodate these numbers with appropriate social distancing, then no more than 50 per cent of the venue’s capacity may be used
In addition, he states, “Congregants should not gather outside their usual places of worship, and people must go home and not sleepover after services.”
In conclusion, he highlighted, “At this time, when the Easter message of hope, rebirth and renewal finds expression in the lives of so many of us, let us, please take care. May God continue to bless South Africa and protect her people.”
As residents prepare to kick back and relax, Pixelfish Marketing and the Newcastillian – Online News wishes all its readers a happy and safe long weekend.
RELATED NEWS
