Will allow conditional reopening of churches in Goa: Archbishop

Goa Archbishop Filipe Neri Ferrao on Wednesday said churches will be allowed to reopen with strict conditions like ensuring sitting arrangement with a physical distance of six feet to be hered to by priests and parishioners.

Churches located in containment or buffer zones identified by state ministration will t be allowed to open.

Churches, which have been closed for public worship since enforcement of lockdown on March 24, will have to obtain permission from archbishop before opening up for public.

"On receipt of petition, Diocesan Authority will send a delegate for an on-site inspection and will grant requested permission only if he is satisfied that church/chapel/shrine can in fact comply with all requirements," archbishop stated in an visory.

Goa government h allowed reopening of religious places on June 8, but many such places, including churches, were reluctant to do so fearing spike in coronavirus cases.

In visory, Ferrao allowed religious services only after fulfilment of conditions like maintaining social distancing, making available hand sanitisers, sanitising church premises and using n-contact rmometers to examine visitors.

archbishop has said priest in charge has to ensure thorough cleanliness and disinfection of sacred place and of surrounding premises regularly.

" place of worship has to be well ventilated. seating arrangement with physical distancing of six feet is marked out," he ded.

archbishop said that hand sanitisers should be me available for use of faithful.

A contact-less rmometer is in place to check body temperature of those who enter (churches). Holy water stoups or fonts are kept dry," he stated.

Volunteers be assigned task of ensuring that social distance is maintained, archbishop vised.