Chandigarh: Churches to stay closed till June 30

CHANDIGARH: The spurt in Covid-19 cases and the decision to allow only 20 people on the premises at a time have prompted churches to remain closed till June 30.
Other religious places had opened their doors on June 8.
Lawrence Malik, head, Tricity Christian Association, said, "Looking at the rise in number of the cases, and that too from different parts of the city, has made us decide to keep the churches closed until the situation gets better. It seems like a community spread. Unlike other religious places, where individual prayers can be organised, we have mass gatherings, which will not be possible now. Punjab too has declared a lockdown on Sundays, so we have decided to keep the churches closed till June 30." He confirmed that the Sunday service will continue to be held online.
On June 8, churches had decided to remain closed till June 14 to secure some relief in the number of people to be allowed in one-go for Sunday mass.
Church members had shared that as at a time there is a gathering of hundreds, it will be difficult for them to say no to people who come to pray.
Proper arrangements for washing hands and feet and sanitisation will be made in all the churches before they open, said officials.
Other religious places like gurdwaras, temples and mosques are open for devotees. All precautions are being taken to contain the spread of virus. There continues to be no ringing of bells or touching idols, no "aarti" or "prasad", entry is only limited to three to five people at a time and everyone has to cover their heads and wear a mask.