Shillong: The Meghalaya government has asked all places of worship, especially in the Shillong Agglomeration Area to strictly adhere to all safety protocols and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), even as more restrictions have been imposed.
“It is observed that protocols and SOPs relating to Covid-appropriate behavior are not being followed strictly in some of the places of worship. All religious leaders shall ensure that there will be mechanism to ensure strict adherence of all the protocols and SOPs by the management and devotees,” Chief Secretary, M.S.Rao said.
In his order, the Chief Secretary noted, places of worship in the Shillong Agglomeration Area will function at 25 per cent of the seating capacity and will not exceed 45 minutes.
“Places of worship outside the Shillong Agglomeration Area may continue to function at 50 per cent of the seating capacity, Rao said , adding, however, the duration of service will not exceed 45 minutes.
“The deputy commissioners shall ensure strict compliance to the protocols and guidelines through periodic inspections and regulate the schedule and timing depending on the local situation,” the order said.
Rao said the Deputy Commissioners are authorized to issue order for closure of any religious place of worship for non-observance of the protocols and/or social distancing norms.
