Christmas in time of Covid: Cap on visitors at Delhi churches, carols at home

NEW DELHI: Several churches across Delhi said that Christmas celebrations would be held with certain restrictions in place this year due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
While prior registrations will be required to attend the service on Christmas day in some of the churches, most said that the number of people would be capped at 200 in accordance with government guidelines.
Father Lawrence of Sacred Heart Cathedral Church said that the general public would not be able to access the services and only those registered could attend the same. “Some restrictions have been put in place due to the Covid-19 situation. Only those who have registered will be allowed to attend the prayer services and the usual public will not be permitted, unlike other years. The number of people will be capped and the registration slots will close accordingly. No other events will be taking place this time,” Father Lawrence said.
St Stephen’s Church in Old Delhi will remain open to the public with mechanisms in place to ensure that the congregation does not exceed 200 people.
Reverend Baldev Sandhu, the presbyter-in-charge of the church, said, “There will be a service at 10 pm on December 24 and then another at 10 am on Christmas day along with the regular services. The church will remain open for all those who wish to visit, but we will ensure that the number of people does not exceed 200 at any given point. In another hall, arrangements for a television have been made and people can attend the mass from there.”
Social distancing and wearing of masks are also important factors to be kept in mind, said Reverend Paul Swarup of Green Park Free Church.
“While the churches will be open to the public, the basic idea is to maintain social distancing and ensure use of sanitisers and masks. People can attend the midnight services as well. Cross marks have been pasted to ensure adequate distance in the seating arrangements and chairs have also been placed at safe distances on a separate floor that will have screens,” he said.
While the pandemic has also marred the usual pre-Christmas celebrations, Reverend Sandhu said that small groups from the church were visiting door to door for carol singing and reading portions of the Bible.
“We have already covered areas like Malkaganj and Fatehpuri. This will continue till Tuesday,” he added.