Meghalaya Govt issues SOP for Christmas and New Year Celebration

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 18, 2021

In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19 cases, the following SOP will be strictly followed by all organizers/ participants.

1. Introduction

At all times organizers/ associations and individuals must respond to the directives of Health

Department or other authorities.

This SOP shall be applicable to all venues located outside of a designated COVID-19 containment zone in the districts.

2 .Scope

This protocol outlines various generic precautionary measures to be adopted during Christmas and New Year Celebrations to prevent spread of COVID-19 and has been prepared after due consultative meetings with various stakeholders.

3. Generic preventive measures:

Person above 65 years of age, persons with co-morbidities, pregnant women and children are advised to stay at home. However, persons who are fully vaccinated, i.e., have received both doses of the vaccine may attend the celebrations. In the interest of safety, it is desirable that all participants actively involved in the celebrations are vaccinated with at least one dose. Organizers to advise accordingly.

The generic preventive measures include simple public health measures that are to be followed to reduce the risk of COVID-19. These measures need to be observed by all (faith group) in these places at all times.

These include:

Individuals must maintain a minimum distance of 5 feet in public places as far as feasible.

Use of face masks is mandatory. Double masking is to be ensured by all.

Practice frequent hand washing with soap (for at least 40-60 seconds) even when hands are not visibly dirty or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers (for at least 20 seconds), whichever feasible.

Respiratory etiquette to be strictly followed. This involves strict practice of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing off used tissues properly.

Self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest to State or District helpline.

Spitting should be strictly prohibited.

Installation & use of Aarogya Setu App may be advised to all.

4. Services

The following protocols pertaining to prayer services shall be followed:

Church services relating to Christmas/ New Year including Midnight services during Christmas and New Year may be conducted subject to compliance to the SOP on preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19 in religious place/ places of worship issued by the Home (Political) Department, Govt of Meghalaya vide Order No. POL. 75/2020/PtI/108 dated 13.08.2021 read with No. POL. 75/2020/Pt.1/115 dated 26.11.2021.

Staggered services are recommended at churches.

Outdoor services within the compound of the church may be held, but should not exceed 75% the capacity of the place of worship.

5. Carolling and Processions

Christmas Carolling is allowed subject to strict adherence of protocols.

6. Community Feasts

Community feasting allowed subject to strict adherence of protocols. Church will take measures to ensure staggering of persons coming to the feast.

7. General Guidelines

Night curfew shall be lifted on the 24th, 25th and 31 st December, to enable persons to attend midnight services. The respective Deputy Commissioners will issue orders for relaxation of curfew accordingly.

For all other Christmas and New Year related events/ gatherings permission should be sought from the respective Deputy Commissioners as per the existing guidelines issued by the Home (Political) Department vide POL.75/2020/Pt.1/115, dated 26.11.2021.