Bhubaneswar : Places of worship, set to open from June 8 outside containment zones, will not allow entry of senior citizens and other high-risk categories, are urged to have separate entry and exits and touching of idols or holy books will not to be allowed, as per the Standard Operating Procedures issued by the government on Thursday.
In its guidelines, the ministry said: “Religious places/places of worship for public in containment zones shall remain closed. Only those outside containment zones will be allowed to open up.”
As a generic preventive measure, it said that the people above 65 years of age, persons with comorbidities, pregnant woman and children below the age of 10 years are advised to stay at home.
The Health Ministry said that the religious places were asked to have mandatory hand sanitisation and thermal screening process for the visitors and only allow asymptomatic persons. People with no face masks and face covers should not be allowed entry inside the premises.
“Touching of statues or idols or holy books etc. will not to be allowed,” it said.
The ministry clarified that the large gatherings or congregations will continue to remain prohibited and as a potential threat of spread of infection, choir or singing groups should not be allowed and recorded devotional music should be played.
The ministry also prohibited the use of physical offerings like prasad or distribution or sprinkling of holy water, etc.
“Preferably separate entry and exits for visitors shall be organized,” the ministry said.
The ministry also asked the religious places to get effective sanitation within the premises with focus on lavatories, hand and foot-washing stations or areas. The ministry also clearly mentioned that spitting should be strictly prohibited in the religious places and installation and use of Aarogya Setu App shall be advised to all.