Community leaders established strict basic practices by the WHO to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in their communities

Following a public announcement from the government of the Central African Republic (CAR) to reopen restaurants and places of worship, the citizens became excited. Nevertheless, Covid-19 cases are rising in the country. This shows that social distancing and washing hands are still necessary.

Community leaders are taking the responsibility of guiding their communities. They want to ensure preventive measures are observed when people go to places of worship.

Pastor Guy Bombiba, one of the RELAY Community Network’s leaders in CAR, has decided to set an example by placing a handwashing facility at the entrance of his church’s premises. He is also making sure the community respects the social distancing inside of the building.

Bombiba has ensured there is plenty of water and soap for the worshippers to wash their hands before they enter the church. “The lives of my people matter, and as a shepherd, I must do everything in my power to protect them.”, he says.

Pastor Bombiba has also asked to be connected to other leaders of RELAY Community Network across Africa. He wants to be taught how to produce face masks using pieces of cloth. “The majority of Central Africans cannot afford a face mask from the market, then sewing the masks is the way forward for us.”, adds the pastor.