Pharaoh let my people free

Stuff reports:

National leader Simon Bridges has written to the Prime Minister asking her to lift the cap on people attending religious services, which is currently set at 10 under coronavirus Alert Level 2.

“New Zealanders find it inconsistent that you allow large numbers of people at bars, restaurants or sporting events but continue to deny more than 10 people gathering for religious services,” Bridges wrote.

The cap on gatherings has been politically contentious. Cinemas and restaurants are allowed to welcome up to 100 people, but they can take bookings for groups of no more than 10.

Funerals and tangi had initially had attendance capped at 10 people, but this has been relaxed to 50.

“It was right to increase the number of people who can attend funerals and tangi — it is right to do the same for our faith communities,” Bridges wrote.

“Religious institutions are in a better place than almost any other organisation that is allowed to host larger crowds, and are therefore able to ensure appropriate physical distancing and health precautions are taking place.”

Again stupidity to have different caps for different venues. The emphasis should be being able to host people safely, not an arbitrary cap of 10.