Gandhinagar: Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani in a video conference meeting with district officials and representatives of religious oranizations stated clearly that though the government is giving permission to reopen the temple for visitors, no utsav or mahotsav (religious gathering on various occasions) will be permitted during the months of June and July due to Covid-19 situation.

The central government had given conditional permission to reopen religious places with effect from June 8 and recently released standard operating procedures for the same. The State government has also permitted religious places to reopen.

However several major religious oganizations have decided not to reopen for visitors from June 8 in the wake of Covid-19 situation.

Bajrangdas Bapa Ashram has also announced cancellation of public event on the occasion of Guru Purnima Mahotsav on July 5.

Bagdana wala Bapa Sitaram Bajarangdas Guru Ashram Trustees in Bhavnagar, Gujarat decide not to reopen the ashram for pilgrims for one more month in the wake of Covid-19 situation. Guru Purnima Mahotsav on July 5 also remains cancelled for visitors. pic.twitter.com/CuOaeYqw7U

— DeshGujarat (@DeshGujarat) June 5, 2020

BAPS: All BAPS mandirs in India will not be opened till 15th June 2020. Thereafter, the decision to open them will be made in view of the prevailing circumstances in society, public health and the available mandir facilities and arrangements. pic.twitter.com/Z4BwamrF27

— DeshGujarat (@DeshGujarat) June 3, 2020

Though government has permitted reopening of temples from June 8, the temples under Kalupur Swaminarayan sect will not reopen till June 17 in the wake of Covid-19 situation : Mahant Swami pic.twitter.com/RNxYwvIlWh

— DeshGujarat (@DeshGujarat) June 5, 2020

Standard Operating Procedures for reopening of religious places:

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

Only asymptomatic persons shall be allowed on the premises.

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

Posters/standees 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.

Staggering of visitors to be done, if possible.

Shoes/footwear to be preferably taken off inside their own vehicle.

If needed, they should be kept in separate slots for each individual/family by the persons themselves.

Proper crowd management in the parking lots and outside the premises duly following social distancing norms – shall be organised.

Any shops, stalls, cafeteria etc, outside and within the premises shall follow social distancing norms at all times.

Specific markings may be made with sufficient distance to manage the queue and ensure social distancing in the premises.

Preferably separate entry and exits for visitors shall be organised.

Maintain physical distancing of a minimum of 6 feet at all times when queuing up for entry.

People should wash their hand and feet with soap and water before entering the premises.

Seating arrangements to be made in such a way that adequate social distancing is maintained.

For air-conditioning/ventilation, the guidelines of CPWD shall be followed which say that the temperature setting of all air conditioning devices should be in the range of 24-30 degree Celsius; relative humidity should be in the range of 40-70 per cent; intake of fresh air should be as much as possible; and cross ventilation should be adequate.

Touching of statues/idols/holy books etc not to be allowed.

In view of the 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.

Common prayer mats should be avoided and devotees should bring their own prayer mat or piece of cloth which they may take back with them.

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

Community kitchens/langars/ann-daan etc at religious places should follow physical distancing norms while preparing and distributing food.

Effective sanitation within the premises shall be maintained with particular focus on lavatories, hand and foot-washing stations/areas.

The floors should particularly be cleaned multiple times on the premises.

In case of a suspect or confirmed case in the premises, the authorities at the religious place must:

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 be initiated regarding the management of the case, his/her contacts and need for disinfection.

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

DeshGujarat