New Delhi (NVI): All religious places across Maharashtra reopened for devotees from today, after several months of closure amid COVID-19 pandemic.
The announcement to reopen religious places in Maharashtra was made by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO). “All religious places including temples, shrines, churches, dargahs, etc in the state will be allowed to reopen for devotees from November 16,” CMO said.
The Maha Vikas Aghadi government said that the decision was taken as the number of coronavirus patients is low.
According to the standard operating procedures (SOP) by the state government, the rules will be the same for all the religious places. The use of face masks, sanitizers would be mandatory and social distancing is very important.
However, religious places located in the containment zones have not been allowed to reopen.
The entry of all devotees aged above 65, kids below 10 and people with comorbidity, pregnant women not advisable. Only asymptomatic people will be allowed inside places of worship.
Also, devotees are not be allowed to touch idols and no offering or sprinkling of holy water, the guidelines said.
Meanwhile, the worst-affected Maharashtra has recorded 17.47 lakh coronavirus cases, while the death toll stands at 45,984 in the state.
-RJV
