(Image source from: iasipstnpsc.in)

Indian government is unlocking the nation from June 8th. Religious places are also to be opened as the unlock 1.0 has begun. They are opening the doors of holy places with safety guidelines like, no touching idols and no entry without a face mask.

The Central Government issued the guidelines to follow after the religious places and worship places are opened. It will still remain closed for the containment zones to avoid spreading of more virus. The worship places are only to open in safe zones where coronavirus is not widely spread. The news rules of worshiping god are strictly to be followed in the safe zones.

If someone is entering the shrine, they must come with a mask. No one will be allowed to touch the idols like before. Sprinkling of holy water and prasad distribution in temples is a no, said by the government. Following these measures is as important as social distancing until the fight against COVID-19 is successful.

Here is the full list of SOPs expected to follow by the workers and visitors of holy places

1. First safety measure is to maintain social distance in public places. The minimum distance is 6 feet and as far as possible.

2. Entry to shrines only with mask or face covers.

3. Sanitize by washing hands with soap for a minimum of 40-50 seconds or use alcohol based sanitizer according to the feasibility. The rule is to maintain hygiene and break the virus chain.

4. The basic respiratory etiquettes are mandatory in public places. Shielding mouth and nose with a tissue or handkerchiefs while coughing or sneezing must be in practice further as well. The used tissue or cover must be disposed properly. Covering mouth and nose with inner elbow is a safe etiquette.

5. Self monitoring of health conditions is mandatory. Everyone needs to report in case of illness at the earliest and seek help from the district helpline.

6. Spitting in public places and roads is prohibited strictly.

7. Installation and use of Arogya Set App in mobile phones shall be advisable for everyone.

Other measures for the officials of religious places must ensure for safety and well being of everyone who visits the places. Maintaining hand hygiene by sanitizing and thermal screening before entering is a mandatory.

The places must spread awareness of measures to fight COVID-19. The better knowledge spreads with posters/standees. Continuous play of audio and video clips to bring better awareness in people about safety measures. Staggering of the visitors is to be done,if possible.

As the religious places open from the second week of June, the preparations are getting ready. Workers are marking the distant pointers for visitors to maintain social distance.The guidelines set by Central government are to be strictly followed from the very first day of the holy places opens.

By Ramya C