Ahead of the festivals like Navratri, Durga Puja, Diwali, Chhath Puja,the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday issued advisories on preventive measures such as staggered timings, thermal screening, physical distancing, sanitisation and monitoring through CCTVs at the events to contain the spread of Covid-19 which are on increase across the country.
While festive events in the containment zones will not be allowed, the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) enlists necessary preventive steps that need to be followed for religious worship, fairs, rallies, exhibitions, cultural functions during the festivities that are expected to witness gatherings of a large number of people.
The document says that organisers/staff/visitors from the containment zones shall not be permitted in areas where festive events are organised. People residing in the containment zones may be encouraged to observe all festivals inside their homes and not move out.
Persons above 65 years, those with co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below 10 years have been advised to stay at home and avoid large gathering for festivals to be held in October, November and December.
As per the SoPs prepared by the Union Health Ministry, the committees will have to ensure the adequate area for events with a detailed site map and proper markings to maintain social distancing. Touching of idols and holy books has been prohibited to prevent the spread of infection.
People wishing to attend the events, including the staff should be allowed entry only if they are using a face mask. The SOPs clearly state that the visitors will have to maintain physical distancing of a minimum of six feet.
In case of rallies and immersion processions the number of people should not exceed the prescribed limit and proper physical distancing and wearing of masks must be ensured. In any case, the number of such rallies and the distance covered by them may be kept within manageable limits, as per the advisory.
“Adequate manpower shall be deployed/ arranged by the organisers to ensure observance to physical distancing norms and other preventive measures at all times, appropriate arrangements for personal protection gears like face covers/masks, and other logistic like hand sanitizers, soap, sodium hypochlorite solution for sanitising frequently touched surfaces etc. shall be made available by event organizers/business owners for their staff as per requirements,” it said.