SHILLONG, Sept 26 - Places of worship will reopen across Meghalaya from October 1 with strict adherence to health protocols, according to the latest notification of the State Health Department.
The State Government had earlier decided to reopen the places of worship on June 5, but later revoked its decision.
Several meetings with religious leaders were held by the State Government. Most of the religious leaders agreed to follow the health protocols, but as there was a surge in COVID-19 cases the decision was revoked.
The last such meeting was convened earlier this month and it was decided that if the pandemic shows signs of improvement, the places of worship would be reopened.
Meanwhile, the Health Department has stipulated strict guidelines for reopening the places of worship. People above 65 years of age, persons with comorbidities, pregnant women and children below 10 years have been advised to stay home. Only asymptomatic people are allowed to visit.
Strict compliance with guidelines physical distancing, wearing of masks, and washing of hands has been advised. Places of worship must have provisions of sanitizers, avoid crowding, and not allow devotees to touch idols, books and other religious artefacts.
There will be no physical offering of prasad and sprinkling of holy water in these religious institutions. Singing of devotional songs or choirs should not be allowed. Frequent sanitization of the religious places has been advised.
Periodic, seasonal or annual religious celebrations, in which there are likely to be large congregations, have been prohibited, but the faith groups concerned may approach the Government through the deputy commissioners to get permission, the notification added.
SHILLONG, Sept 26 - Places of worship will reopen across Meghalaya from October 1 with strict adherence to health protocols, according to the latest notification of the State Health Department.
The State Government had earlier decided to reopen the places of worship on June 5, but later revoked its decision.
Several meetings with religious leaders were held by the State Government. Most of the religious leaders agreed to follow the health protocols, but as there was a surge in COVID-19 cases the decision was revoked.
The last such meeting was convened earlier this month and it was decided that if the pandemic shows signs of improvement, the places of worship would be reopened.
Meanwhile, the Health Department has stipulated strict guidelines for reopening the places of worship. People above 65 years of age, persons with comorbidities, pregnant women and children below 10 years have been advised to stay home. Only asymptomatic people are allowed to visit.
Strict compliance with guidelines physical distancing, wearing of masks, and washing of hands has been advised. Places of worship must have provisions of sanitizers, avoid crowding, and not allow devotees to touch idols, books and other religious artefacts.
There will be no physical offering of prasad and sprinkling of holy water in these religious institutions. Singing of devotional songs or choirs should not be allowed. Frequent sanitization of the religious places has been advised.
Periodic, seasonal or annual religious celebrations, in which there are likely to be large congregations, have been prohibited, but the faith groups concerned may approach the Government through the deputy commissioners to get permission, the notification added.
