No touching of idols, no offerings; guidelines for religious places

Hyderabad: With religious places set to open from June 8, the Telangana government has listed dos and do nots for the worshipers to contain the spread of COVID-19.

As per the guidelines, religious places outside the containment zones will only be allowed to open. Places of worship in containment zones shall remain closed.

All religious places shall have to follow the guidelines which include:

i. Entrance to have mandatory hand hygiene (sanitizer dispenser) and thermal screening provisions.

ii. Only asymptomatic persons shall be allowed to enter the premises.

iii. All persons to be allowed entry only if using face cover/masks.

iv. Posters 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.

v. Staggering of visitors to be done away with, if possible.

vi. Shoes/footwear to be preferably taken off inside your 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. Social distancing norms shall be duly followed.

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 distance 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 hands and feet with soap and water before entering the premises.

XIII. Seating arrangements 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 emphasizes that the temperature setting of all air conditioning devices should be in the range of 24-30 degrees C. 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. Given a potential threat of the 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 prayer mat or piece of cloth which they may take back with them.

XX No physical offerings like Prasad/distribution or a sprinkling of holy water, etc. to be allowed inside the religious place.

XXI. Community kitchens/langars / “Ann-daan”, 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 on the premises.

XXV Proper disposal of face covers/masks/gloves leftover 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 will be taken regarding the management of the case, his/her contacts, and the need for disinfection.

e. Disinfection of the premises to be taken up if the person is found positive.