Arunachal Pradesh government has allowed all the places of worship outside the containment zones in the state to open with effect from July 1 with restrictions.
The health department has issued an order in this regard.
The order, issued by health secretary P. Parthiban said: “All places of worship shall be regularly disinfected. Provision for water, soap and sanitizer should be available.”
According to the order, the devotees will have to wash their hands and feet with soap and water before entering the premises, maintain strict social distancing norms within and outside the premises.
“Physical distance of 6 feet shall be maintained at all times by marking circle, rows or boxes on the floor and use of face cover/mask is mandatory. Arrangement should be made for separate entry and exit points,” the order said.
Common prayer mats should be avoided.
No physical offerings like Prasad, flowers, sprinkling of holy water etc. shall not be allowed inside the religious places, said the order.
The health department in its order also asked to avoid religious functions and congregation.
“The devotees shall be properly regulated and should not be allowed to crowd in the place of worship. Spitting around shall be strictly prohibited,” it said.
Touching of statues, idol, holy books and prostration are not to be allowed, said the order.
“People above 65 years of age, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years and those with co-morbidities should be advised not to visit places of worship,” the health department order said.
The deputy commissioners have been empowered to regulate/close any religious institution in order to control the spread of COVID19 in the state.