This archive report was first published on 12 July 2020.
As the country reopens after a period of lockdown, the Catholic Church has welcomed back its faithful for Holy Mass, with Archbishop Phillip Anyolo of Kisumu urging Kenyans to adhere to health protocols to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Speaking at the Holy Family Basilica during a live Holy Mass aired on KBC Channel 1, Archbishop Anyolo emphasized the importance of following the Ministry of Health's guidelines to prevent the spread of the virus.
"The decision to reopen the country has been made after serious considerations of the many factors that are affecting us as a country," Archbishop Anyolo said.
He added that the Catholic Church has fully complied with the guidelines and has come up with its own protocols to curb the spread of COVID-19.
"The protocols of how our services will be carried out are ready," Archbishop Anyolo said, adding that these protocols will be presented to all the bishops who will, in turn, present them to the parish priests.
Archbishop Anyolo also urged the government to partner with religious and professional institutions across the country to enhance psychosocial services to individuals and families who need it.
He encouraged the youth and children to spend the stay-at-home period wisely and avoid abusive ways of using social media.
"To the Youth and children, the extended period of your stay at home is meant to protect you against COVID-19. Look for positive ways of spending this period while at home," Archbishop Anyolo said.
