TN govt issues SOP for places of worship,says no to sprinkling of holy water

Tamil Nu government on Tuesday issued a Standard Operating Procedure for places of worship in rural areas, outlining rms to prevent spre of coronavirus. It includes prohibition for "physical offerings like pras, distribution or sprinkling of holy water to be allowed inside religious place." Offerings such as coconut, fruits and flowers shall t be allowed. During poojas and abishekam, public must t be allowed to sit inside and witness event, SOP said.

In view of potential health issues, "devotees may be discourd to do prostration /angaprhatchanam till rmalcy returns." From Wednesday, small temples, mosques, darghas, churches and or religious places in rural areas would be open for public worship in Tamil Nu.

In vill panchayats falling under Tiruvallur, Chengelpet and Murai, worship would be allowed from July 6. In mosques, prayers should t be offered by sitting shoulder to shoulder. Physical distancing of six feet shall be maintained while offering prayers and t more than 20 people can be accommodated in 100 square meters, which shall be marked with paint in circles, rows or boxes.

"Staggering of people should be done to avoid crowd and social distancing should be followed, particularly on Friday for Jumma prayers."

Under general rms covering all places of worship, SOP said senior citizens above 65 years of , people with co-morbidities, pregnant women and children below of 10 years are vised to stay at home and only asymptomatic persons shall be allowed.

A distance of six feet should be maintained by people and masks must be used compulsorily, SOP said, ding "installation and use of Arogya Setu App is vised." Common prayer mats should be avoided and devotees should bring ir own mats or piece of cloth which y may take back with m.

"People should wash ir hands and feet with soap and water before entering premises. Necessary facilities shall be provided for this purpose. Touching of statues, idols and holy books, are t to be allowed."

Places of worship in corporations, municipalities, town panchayat areas and big places of worship in vill Panchayat limits would remain closed for public worship.