Mumbai: Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh on Dec. 22 appealed to all ‘Christian brothers and sisters’ to celebrate Christmas in a very simple way considering the pandemic.

Several Indian states, including Maharashtra, have announced measures to avoid a resurgence of coronavirus infections in light of a new strain of Covid-19 being discovered in the UK, Italy and South Africa.

Apart from announcing night curfew for all major cities between now and January 5, the Maharashtra Home Department has also issued several guidelines regarding Christmas celebrations in the state.

As per the guidelines, the Mass which is organised in local churches to mark the occasion of Christmas should not have more than 50 people at a time. Those concerned must ensure that a church is not overcrowded at any point in time and that physical distancing is maintained and the premises are sanitized regularly.

It is very important for everyone to wear masks while in church, the guidelines add.

During the Christmas holidays, it is common practice for locals to flock to churches to witness scenes from the life of Jesus Christ depicted with figures and paintings.

With respect to church choirs, the Maharashtra government’s guidelines state that no more than 10 people should be allowed in a single choir. Measures must also be taken to ensure microphones used by the choir are cleaned.

While stating that special care should be taken for people above 60 and kids below 10, the Home Department advised such individuals to avoid going out and celebrate Christmas indoors. The organizers should arrange for online messages for them, the guidelines suggest.

Referring to Christmas processions, the Maharashtra government said they should not be carried out in a manner so as to attract crowds. No firecrackers should be burst during these processions, the guidelines add.

Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh has also appealed to the public to consider whether the Thanksgiving Mass, which will be held at churches on December 31, can be held at 7 pm or earlier instead of midnight.

https://www.indiatoday.in/coronavirus-outbreak/story/50-people-in-church-10-in-choir-maharashtra-govt-issues-covid-guidelines-for-christmas-celebrations-1752172-2020-12-22