LUSAKA, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- As the world works to respond to the second wave of the COVID-19, places of worship in Zambia are stepping up their guard in an effort to curtail new infections.

Visits to a number of churches in Lusaka, Zambia's capital revealed that most places worship are working hard to promote social distancing, handwashing or hand sanitizing. They are also making sure that only a limited number of congregants are permitted to attend a church service at any given time.

Handwashing and hand sanitizing points that are well stocked with sanitizers, handwashing liquid and water can now be found at strategic points at places of worship. Some also have thermometers to check the temperature of every person coming through to participate in a religious service.

Others have even gone a mile further and put in place contact-tracing mechanisms by introducing comprehensive attendance registers that require one to fill in their name as well as full details of residence.

"The register is meant to ensure that contact tracing is made easier should one get infected with COVID-19. The information would provide helpful insights in the treatment of the infected person and individuals that might have come into contact with them," explained Reverend Lubula of Kamwala South Pentecostal Assemblies of God church.

Lubula said it was in the best interest of society that religious organizations such as churches continued to operate because they provide solace particularly during difficult times and called on the leadership of these entities to ensure that measures aimed at curtailing the pandemic are adhered to.

"As a church, we are very much willing to abide by the five golden rules of preventing the spared of COVID-19 because we believe that these measures will not only help us as a church but also contribute to overall gains in the fight against COVID-19," he said.

Lubula's sentiments were echoed by Reverend Fr. Anthony Salangeta, presiding priest at Regina Pacis Parish, Chawama Catholic Church, who added it is the responsibilities of religious entities to spearhead the COVID-19 fight in communities they serve.