By Verghese V Joseph –
Bengaluru: Beginning Sunday (July 25), Bangalore Archdiocesan churches will reopen for worship. Archbishop Most Rev (Dr) Peter Machado in a circular said all relevant activities and services of parishes may be carried on until further instructions.
“I request and direct our parishes and religious to make all necessary arrangements to sanitise the premises and to ensure strict adherence and maintain the Covid-19 protocol and SOPs issued from time to time,” the prelate added.
The Karnataka government in its order on Saturday allowed all places of worship (temples, mosques, churches, gurudwaras, and other religious places) to be open and permitted related activities pertaining to the places of worship. It laid out strict adherence to COVID-19 appropriate behaviour and SOPs issued by the concerned department. However, the order said jathres, temple festivals, processions, congregations will not be allowed.
With COVID-19 cases continuing to be low in Karnataka, the government decided to further relax the lockdown restrictions. Devotees will have to abide by COVID-19 protocol and safety guidelines as issued by the state Health Department.
The order signed by N Manjunatha Prasad, (IAS) Principal Secretary to Government, also stated that amusement parks in the state will be allowed to open from Sunday as well. However, water-related activities at the parks or water sports has not been permitted.