Gatherings धार्मिक परिसर

عربي

AIM

To provide guidance on how to best facilitate the safe and gradual restoration of religious gatherings, and at the same time have effective measures in place to protect the health of community members by reducing risk of COVID-19 transmission as much as practicable.

REGULATING ENTRY AND EXIT

Ehteraz App to be downloaded by all staff, congregation, and visitors. Entry allowed only for those with green status.
Thermal screening for all staff, congregation, and visitors, entry only for those below 38 degrees.
Necessary clear measures should be taken to regulate the arrival of congregation to the venues in order to avoid queuing and overcrowding in any areas of the religious complex.
Religious venues only open 20 minutes before scheduled ceremonies/events/prayers.
Religious ceremonies/events/prayers duration are to be kept to a minimum.
The congregation to leave the venue immediately after the ceremonies/events/prayers.
Religious venues to remain closed at all other times.
Doors to remain open during entry and exit time (to avoid touching door handles).
Entry and exit to be staggered to minimize crowding.

PHYSICAL DISTANCING

1.5m distance between individuals (excluding family groups from same household).
A maximum of 50% occupancy can be allowed in any venue where religious activities are to be held.
Clear floor and furniture markings inside and outside venues must be placed to maintain physical distancing.
No gatherings allowed outside religious venue before or after any prayer/ceremony/event.
Avoid any kind of physical contact.
Visitors must be reminded of physical distancing requirements - Clear and visible signage.
Avoid use of choir or musical ensemble during religious services or other events. Singing is considered a higher risk activity as it could potentially release a larger amount of droplets. Consider alternatives to singing and other live performance components in the worship services.
Consider clergy holding virtual visits (phone, or online) instead of home visits, unless on compassionate grounds (non-COVID related end of life).
Receptions with food and drinks are not permitted.

INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL

Church staff/stewards/ushers to undergo regular COVID-19 testing as per MoPH Guidance.
Hand sanitizers are to be provided for use at several locations within the religious venue.
Masks to be worn by staff/stewards/ushers and worshippers at all times.
Avoid food and drink offerings.
All regularly touched surfaces should be disinfected regularly using standard disinfection products following each event/prayer/gathering
Holy/religious books should be removed and visitors instructed to bring their own copies (or use their own phone to access texts), or projecting prayers for common viewing.
Venues where toilets remain open, they must be deep cleaned and disinfected regularly and after each service. Follow MOPH guidance for safe re-opening of public toilets.
A housekeeping record log shall be maintained.
Adequate supplies of hand sanitizer to be used by all at entry and exit.
Ensure ventilation systems operate properly and increase circulation of outdoor air as much as possible either by air handling systems (air conditions) or by opening windows and doors, fans, and so on.
Use bottled water. Water fountains or water dispensers are not permitted.
Modify methods used to receive financial contributions. Consider a stationary collection box, or electronic methods of collecting regular financial contributions (shared collection trays or baskets are not permitted).
Provide an area to isolate anyone who exhibits COVID-like symptoms, notify health officials.
Clean and disinfect isolation area (preferably after 6 hours of non-use, make sure to properly clean and disinfect the ventilation unit).
Provide paper tissues and closed rubbish bins for attendees to practice proper cough etiquette and educate them on it.

MOSQUES

See MoPH guidance of the safe re-opening of mosques.

EDUCATION AND AWARENESS

Educate clergy, staff/stewards/ushers and worshippers updated on COVID-19 safety and prevention information and guidelines.
Use MoPH health messages and materials.
Religious authorities to emphasize that protecting public health is paramount.

VULNERABLE GROUPS

Adults over the age of 60, pregnant women, children under the age of 12, and individuals with chronic conditions are advised not to attend religious gatherings.

COVID-19 Services Assistant خدمة المساعدة الخاصة بكوفيد-19