YANGON- The National Level Central Committee for Prevention, Control and Treatment of COVID-19 has issued instructions on August 15th permitting compulsory religious services to be held four days a month with effect from August 16th.

The instruction was addressed and sent to the Nay Pyi Taw Council and to state and division governments beginning from August 16th. 

According to the committee, Buddhists can observe Sabbath in monasteries on Sabbath days and waning and waxing four days a month. 

Those of other religious faiths are to attend services in Churches, Mosques and Hindu temples one day a week. Four days a month, the members attending are not to exceed 30.

On August 15th, the Yangon Region Government Committee also issued instructions to be observed by churches, mosques and hindu temples when reopening.

Senior Pastor Rev Dr Mang No from International Christian Centre said that he had seen the letter four or five days back from copies of the letter from the Religious Affairs Ministry. 

“No individual letters were sent. Once we reopen our churches, we will monitor the temperature, masks wearing, washing of hands and keep windows of the church open. We will ensure people observe the regulations.”

In reopening monasteries, churches, mosques and hindu temples, there are precautionary measures to be taken. Those attending should not exceed 30 in number. Should the members be over the limit, additional services can be held after an hour break between each service. Social Distancing ought to be observed when queueing up and during the service, there should not be any crowding by observing the 6 feet physical distance.

Those in charge of places of worship should allow entry only to those wearing masks or face shields, and not to allow entrance to those with fever and cough, difficulty in breathing and those with poor health in general.

Air conditioners should not be used. There must be proper ventilation. Hand wash with a minimum 70% alcohol content should be used for cleaning hands. Hand wash should be provided to ensure cleansing of the virus by washing.

Those attending service should bring their own prayer mats and are advised to check oneself’s health at home before coming to the place of worship. They should wash their hands with hand wash with a minimum 60% alcohol content. Those with fever, cough and difficult breathing should not be allowed.

It has been instructed that failure to observe the regulations will result in the permit being revoked.