Unlock 1: No Prasad, No Sprinkling Of Holywater In Temples!

NEW DELHI: Due to the deadly coronavirus, all the country's shrines had shut their doors to the public days before the lockdown. As India gets ready for Unlock 1.0 from June 8, the ministry of health and family welfare has issued some guidelines underscored the need to continue the use of masks and maintain social distancing as a part of safety measures.

The religious places are set to open in most of the places in the country after more than two months of lockdown. Apart from common directives in the guidelines issued, the ministry issued not only the common directives in the guidelines but also gave particular standard operating procedures (SOPs) to each type of establishment.

In its guidelines, the ministry said that the religious places for the public in containment zones shall remain closed. Only those outside containment zones will be allowed to open up. Infants, people above 65 years of age with comorbidities, pregnant women are advised to stay at home. “In view of the potential threat of the spread of infection, as far as feasible recorded devotional music/songs may be played and choir or singing groups should not be allowed".

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. No entry for the  People with no face masks and face covers in the premises. "Touching of statues or idols or holy books etc. will not to be allowed," it said. The Ministry also prohibited the use of the distribution of prasad or sprinkling of holy water.

The government has asked the restaurants to have disposable menus and napkins, contactless technology bases check-in at hotels, and only asymptomatic individuals are allowed inside. Restaurants should encourage takeaways and avoid dine-in as much as possible. The shopping malls would remain open but no gaming arcades and children's play areas. Persons with comorbidities, pregnant women, or elderly people will not be assigned duties dealing with frontline work.