Meghalaya's places of worship to reopen from Oct 1: Prestone Tynsong

Shillong: Meghalaya's government has finally decided to reopen places of worship across the state from October 1 onwards. The decision to reopen the places of worship was taken after the finalization of the SOPs with religious leaders under the banner of Shillong All Faith Forum (SAFF).

Meghalaya's Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong has informed that the respective deputy commissioners have to ensure strict compliance to the guidelines and also regulate the activities to meet the social distancing norms to ensure safety in view of the prevailing COVID-19 situation.

Following discussion with various stakeholders, Tynsong said, the government has laid down a standard operating procedure at these religious institutions. These measures have to be strictly followed by the devotees, he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister further informed that no one shall be allowed to enter the places of worship without wearing masks. Moreover, they will have to follow hand hygiene protocols and maintain physical distance.

He further added that the deputy commissioners have been given the go-ahead to tighten the measures at the shrines, if required.

It is pertinent to mention here that the government has laid down a standard operating procedure at these religious institutions.

Meanwhile, "at risk" groups, including persons aged above 65, children below 10, and pregnant women, have been urged to stay away.

In Meghalaya, 285 COVID-19 patients recovered on Friday taking the total number of recoveries to 3343.

Meanwhile, 80 new cases were registered bringing the total active cases to 1772 in the state.

Out of the new cases 45 are from East Khasi Hills, 20 from West Garo Hills, nine from North Garo Hills, two each from Ri Bhoi and South West Garo Hills and one each from East Jaintia Hills and West Jaintia Hills district.

So far, Meghalaya has detected a total of 5158 COVID 19 cases. Out of these, 1772 are active, 3343 have recovered and 43 have died.

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