TURA: West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Ram Singh on Wednesday evening convened a meeting with various religious leaders of the town to discuss on the latest Covid protocols and Behaviour Change Management Programme on the opening of religious institutions and places of worship, at DRDA conference hall in Tura.
During the meeting, Deputy Commissioner, Ram Singh said that people are still reluctant to follow covid protocols and advised everyone to wear mask and strictly follow covid protocols like physical distancing, hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, etc. He said that the opening of these religious institutions could be a positive advantage for people as they frequent these places for spiritual solace and spiritual leaders can also give awareness to the people about Covid protocols and ensure maintenance of sanitation and hygiene in their daily lives.
District Maternal and Child Health Officer, Tura Dr. Ivonne M Sangma in her power point presentation on SOP on Preventive measures to contain spread of Covid-19 in religious places or places of worship stated that though religious places have been allowed to open from October 1, those which falls under the containment zones will continue to remain closed. She also advised persons above 65 years of age, those with comorbidities, pregnant women and children below 10 years to stay at home and that organisations managing the religious institutions are to advise accordingly.
Further, she also informed that as per the order all religious places should ensure to have mandatory hand sanitizer dispenser or hand washing and thermal screening provisions, to allow only those using face cover or masks to enter, displaying of posters on preventive measures on Covid-19 at the premises etc. Sangma added that any form of socializing, meeting after completion of service of worship within the premises and choir singing are prohibited. Another important direction given was to disinfect the shoes by keeping disinfectant trays at the entrance or by providing soap and water to wash hands and feet before entering. She also informed that the maximum number of persons allowed during any church service should not exceed one-third of the seating capacity and the participants should maintain a distance of 5 feet. Moreover, as practised earlier, the management of religious institutions were directed to live stream the services to cater to elder people, children and persons with comorbidities.
According to the order, the names of the persons attending the place of worship should also be maintained by the organisation or faith group concerned to be shared with concerned Deputy Commissioner for contact tracing, if and when required, she added.