By Verghese V Joseph
Church goers in India heaved a huge sigh of relief as the government at the Centre on Thursday announced new set of rules for allowing places of worship to open gradually from June 8 following the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown. Following this announcement, the Church in India is all set to welcome back the faithful and is working on a revised set of guidelines.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI), which is the permanent association of the Catholic Bishops of India will come up with an advisory on the reopening of the churches. The CBCI has close to 270 members and incorporates Bishops of three Episcopal bodies: The Conference of Catholic Bishop of India (CCBI), of the Latin Rite with 190 bishops from 132 dioceses; the Bishops’ Synod of the Syro-Malabar Rite with 37 dioceses and 63 bishops and the Episcopal Synod of the Syro-Malankara Rite with 11 dioceses and 16 bishops.
The objectives of the CBCI are to facilitate coordinated study and discussion of questions affecting the Church, and adoption of a common policy and effective action in matters concerning the common interests of the Catholic Church in India. The CBCI reviews the position of the Church in India, and also undertakes a variety of activities covering, for example, the youth, health care and media. Another role of the CBCI is to foster the communion among the three sui juris Churches. The CBCI is the face of the Catholic Church in India promotes advocacy on national issues, makes representation to Government, liaises with the Government and networks with other Christian Churches, organizations, associations of civil society and people of other religions.
The government guidelines, which was announced on Thursday, will come into effect from Monday, include measures like staggering visitors and no touching of idols at religious places.
Following is the new COVID-19 guidelines for religious places and places of worship:
Religious places / places of worship get frequented by large number of people for spiritual solace. To prevent spread of COVID-19 infection, it is important that required social distancing and other preventive measures are followed in such premises.
This guidelines outline various generic precautionary measures to be adopted in addition to specific measures to be taken at particular places to prevent spread of COVID-19.
Religious places/places of worship far 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 woman and children below the age of 10 years are advised to stay at home. Organisations 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 at all times. These include:
i. Individuals must maintain a minimum distance of 6 feet in public places as far as feasible
ii. Use of face covers/masks to be mandatory
iii, practice frequent hand washing with soap (for at least 40-60 seconds) even when hands are not visibly dirty. Use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (for at least 20 seconds) can be made wherever feasible
iv. Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves strict practice of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing off used tissues properly
v. Self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest to state and district helpline
vi. Spitting should be strictly prohibited
vii. Installation & use of Aarogya Setu App shall be advised to all
All religious places shall also ensure:
i. Entrance to have mandatory hand hygiene (sanitizer dispenser) and thermal screening provisions
ii. Only asymptomatic persons shall be allowed in the premises
iii. All persons to be allowed entry only if using face cover/masks.
iv. Posters/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
Staggering of visitors to be done, if possible.
vi. Shoes / footwear to be preferably taken off inside own vehicle. If needed they should be kept in separate slots for each individual / family by the persons themselves.
vii. Proper crowd management in the parking lots and outside the premises — duly following social distancing norms shall be organized
viii. Any shops, stalls, cafeteria etc., outside and within the premises shall follow social distancing norms at all times
ix. Specific markings may be made with sufficient distant to manage the queue and ensure social distancing in the premises
x. Preferably separate entry and exits for visitors shall be organized
xi. Maintain physical distancing of a minimum of 6 feet at all times when queuing up for entry.
xii. People should wash their hand and feet with soap and water before entering the premises
xiii. Seating arrangement to be made in such a way that adequate social distancing is maintained
xiv. For air-conditioning/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 24-300C. relative humidity should be in the range of 4070%, intake of fresh air should be as much as possible and cross ventilation should be adequate
xv. Touching of statues/idols holy books etc. not to be allowed
xvi. Large gatherings/congregation continue to remain prohibited
xvii. 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
Xviii. Avoid physical contact while greeting each other
xix. 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.
xx. No physical offerings like Prasad/distribution or sprinkling of holy water. etc.to be allowed inside the religious place.
xxi. Community kitchens/langars/ etc. at religious places should follow physical distancing norms while preparing and distributing food.
xxii. Effective sanitation within the premises shall be maintained with particular focus on lavatories, hand and foot-washing stations/areas.
xxiii. Frequent cleaning and disinfection to be maintained by the management of the religious place
xxiv. The floors should particularly be cleaned multiple times in the premises
xxv. Proper disposal of face covers / masks / gloves left over by visitors and/or employees should be ensured
xxvi. In case of a suspect or confirmed case in the premises:
a. Place 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.
c. 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 accordingly further action be initiated regarding management of case, his/her contacts and need for disinfection.
e. Disinfection of the premises to be taken up if the person is found positive.