Government sets rules for religious places ahead of June 8 opening

“Touching of statues/idols / holy books etc will not be allowed. Large gatherings or congregation continue to remain prohibited. In view of potential threat of spread of infection, as far as feasible recorded devotional music/songs may be played and choir or singing groups should not be allowed. No physical offerings like Prasad/distribution or sprinkling of holy water, etc.to be allowed inside the religious place. Common prayer mats should be avoided and devotees should bring their own prayer mat or piece of cloth which they may take back with them. “

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on preventive measures to be followed by religious  places and places of worship, when they open  for the public from June 8 under Unlock 1, to contain the spread of Covid-19 in the country. The guidelines are in consideration with the large number of people who frequent holy places for spiritual solace.

However, acoording to the guidelines, religious places and places of worship in containment zones will remain closed, the health ministry SOP said in the statement.

Highlights

Insisting on the need of strictly maintaining social distancing to stop the virus  spread , the SOP said, “Religious places/places of worship get frequented by large number of people for spiritual solace. To prevent spread of Covid-19 infection, it is important that required social distancing and other preventive measures are followed in such premises.”

Ensure proper social distancing and disinfection of spaces and wearing of masks

Shoes/footwear to be preferably taken off inside one’s own vehicle. “If needed they should be kept in separate slots for each individual/family by the persons themselves”.

Devotees should  not touch statues/idols/ holy books etc.

Choir or singing groups should not be allowed.

“In view of potential threat of spread of infection, as far as feasible recorded devotional music/songs may be played and choir or singing groups should not be allowed ,” the SOP said.

Devotees should avoid common prayer mats. They should bring their own prayer mat or piece of cloth which they may take back with them after prayer.

Physical offerings like Prasad/distribution or sprinkling of holy water, etc. are  not allowed inside the religious place.

All religious places should ensure that the entrance should  have mandatory hand hygiene (sanitizer dispenser) and thermal screening provisions and only asymptomatic persons shouod be allowed in the premises.