Break the Chain – Modified Guidelines
Religious Places
Religious places and places of worship for public will be allowed to open with effect from 7th October 2021 as per timings decided by the trust I board/ authority of the respective religious places , outside of containment zones only. Wearing of face masks , social distancing , provision for thermal scanning and hand wash or sanitizers will be mandatory. The SOP on preventive measures to contain spread of Covid 19 in religious places I places of worship is attached herewith as Annexure-A . The concerned local authorities in consultation with the relevant stakeholders can further add any directions to these guidelines taking into consideration the local conditions. All other guidelines of Covid-19 shall be followed.
Religious places /places of worship for public in containment zones shall remain closed. Only those outside containment zones will be allowed to open up.
Generic Preventive Measures –
Person above 65 years of age, persons with comorbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years are advised to stay at home. Organisation managing the religious institutions to advise accordingly. The generic preventive measures include simple public health measures that are to be followed to reduce the risk of Covid-19. These measures need to be observed by all (workers and visitors) in these places all times.
These include :
Use of face covers/mask to be mandatory.
Individuals must maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet
feasible.
Practice frequent handwashing with soap (for at least 40 60
even when hands are not visibly dirty.Usc of alcohol based
sanitizers (for at least 20scconds) can be made wherever feasible.
Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. Ibis involves strict practice of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing with a tissue/ handkcrchief/flexcd elbow and disposing of used tissue properly.
Self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest to state and district helpline.
Spitting should be strictly prohibited. Penalty may be imposed as a deterrent.
Installation and use of Arogya Setu App shall be advised to all.AII religious places shall also ensure :
Entrance to have mandotary hand hygiene (sanitizer dispenser) and thermal screening provisions.
Only asymptomatic persons shall be allowed in the premises.
All persons to be allowed entry only if using face covers /masks.
Poslers/standees on preventive measures about Covid -19 to be displayed prominently . Audio and video clips to spread awareness on preventive measures for Covid -19 should be regularly played in all places of worship.
Staggering of visitors to be done. The number of people allowed inside the premises in any particular time slot may be decided on factors such as the size of the structure, ventilation etc. by the trust /board along with the local authorities (Distrct Collector/ Municipal corporation etc.).
Shoes/footware to be preferably taken off inside own vehicle. If needed they shoud kept in separate slots for each individual/family by the persons themselves.
Proper crowd management in the parking lots and outside the premises – duly following social distancing norms shall be organised.
Any shops, stalls, cafetaria etc., outside the premises shall follow social distancing norms and all rclavant guidlines at all times.
Specific markings may be made with sufficient distant to
AII religious places shall also ensure :
Entrance to have mandotary hand hygiene (sanitizer dispenser) and thermal screening provisions.
Only asymptomatic persons shall be allowed in the premises.
All persons to be allowed entry only if using face covers /masks.
Poslers/standees on preventive measures about Covid -19 to be displayed prominently . Audio and video clips to spread awareness on preventive measures for Covid -19 should be regularly played in all places of worship.
Staggering of visitors to be done. The number of people allowed inside the premises in any particular time slot may be decided on factors such as the size of the structure, ventilation etc. by the trust /board along with the local authorities (Distrct Collector/ Municipal corporation etc.).
Shoes/footware to be preferably taken off inside own vehicle. If needed they shoud kept in separate slots for each individual/family by the persons themselves.
Proper crowd management in the parking lots and outside the premises – duly following social distancing norms shall be organised.
Any shops, stalls, cafetaria etc., outside the premises shall follow social distancing norms and all relavant guidlines at all times.
Specific markings may be made with sufficient distance to manage the queue and ensure social distancing in the premises.
Preferably separate entry and exits for visitors shall be organised.
1- Maintain physical distancing of a minimum of 6 feet at all times when queuing np for entry. Management of the place of worship will be responsible tor the same.
XII. People should wash their hand & feet with soap & water before entering the premises.
XIII. Seating arrangement to be made in such a way that adequate social distancing is maintained. For air-conditions/ventilation, the guidelines of CPWD shall be followed which inter alia emphasises that the temperature setting of all air conditioning devices should be in the range of 24-30’c, relative humidity should be in the range of 40-70%, intake of fresh air should be as much as possible and cross ventilation should be adequate.
Touching of statues/idols/holy books etc.not to be allowed.
Large gatherings/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.
Avoid physical contact while greeting each other.
XVII. 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.
No physical offerings like Prasad/distribution or sprinkling of holy water, etc. to be allowed inside the religious place.
Effective sanitation within the premises shall be maintained with particular focus on lavatories, hand and foot-washing stations/areas.
Frequent cleaning and disinfection to be maintained by the managemnet of the religious place.
The floors should particulary be cleaned multiple times in the premises
XXIIII.Proper disposal of face covers/masks/gloves left over by visitors and/or employees should be ensured.
XXIV. Worship place workers and personnel need to have Covid-19 safety protocol and prejoining and weekly Covid test in highly exposed groups.
XXV.Toilet and eating places need crowd control.
Number, space ami distance protocol to be maintained by each worship
place with and undertaking to the Police and Collector for adherence.
II. In case ot a suspect or confirmed case in the premises.
1 lace the ill person in a room or area where they are isolated from others.
b. Provide a mask/face cover till such time he/she is examined by a doctor.
Immediately inform the nearest medical facility(hospital/clinic) or call the state or district helpline.
d- A risk assessment will be undertaken by the designated public health authority (district RRT/treating physician) and accodingly further action be initiated regarding inanagemnt of case, his/her contacts and need for disinfection.
e. Disinfection of the premises to be taken up if the person is found positive.