Bhubaneswar: Christmas is being celebrated with festive fervor across Odisha amid strict adherence to Covid-19 guidelines.
Unlike last year, churches were allowed to hold Christmas eve masses provided they wrap up the service within the time stipulated by the local administration. Besides, only limited people were allowed to join the masses following the Covid restrictions.
This year, in Kandhamal district, a peace committee meeting was held by the district administration on how Christians should celebrate their Christmas amid the restrictions.
During the Peace Committee meeting, it was decided that Christmas will be celebrated by following the guidelines imposed by the Odisha government to check the spread of COVID-19 in the State. The meeting also decided that only 50 persons in small churches and 100 persons in big churches can attend the Mass/religious activities in the church at a time.
The district police also has made elaborate security arrangements across the district. A total of 25 platoons of cops will be deployed for the peaceful celebration of Christmas, said Kandhamal SP Vinit Agrawal.
Meanwhile, Arch Bishop John Barwa also urged everyone to follow the COVID protocols and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ at their homes without congregating in the churches.
The Commissionerate Police has also beefed up security for the celebration of Christmas in the twin city of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.
The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Friday issued a list of guidelines to be strictly followed by people during the Christmas.
Here are the guidelines:
- The Church authority shall ensure that there are as many participants inside the church so that social distancing of 6 ft is maintained among them along with all other COVID appropriate behaviour like proper wearing of Mask, Hand hygiene etc. However, in no case, the total number of participants shall exceed 50.
- Person who has been administered with both the COVID vaccine doses will be allowed inside the church.
- The church authority shall make provision of thermal screening outside the church and ensure that no symptomatic person is allowed inside the church.
- BMC shall install COVID RAT testing facility outside each church and only those who are negative will be allowed inside the church.
Also Read: Christmas Celebration to be a low-key affair in Kandhamal, restriction imposed due to COVID-19
Kalinga AI