As everyone waited anxiously for the declaration by Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob on the SOPs pertaining to the upcoming Deepavali celebration, the news is finally out!
It was declared today that Hindu devotees would be permitted to attend prayers in temples only on the first day of Deepavali which falls on 14th November.
Individuals residing at areas under the CMCO are only allowed to visit the temple on the first day Of Deepavali!
This new SOP will only be applicable for those living in areas under an order for Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) or Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO).
“We will allow devotees to attend prayers at temples on the first day, but strict SOPs will have to be followed,” according to Ismail Sabri
Ismail Sabri further announced that for Deepavali 2020, inter-district and inter-state travel is not permissible, with those hoping to return to their villages or hometowns (balik kampung) will not be able to do so.
The Minister also stated that, devotees will not be permitted to attend prayers at temples or host any visitors in areas under the Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) and not more than 30 devotees at the temple will be allowed.
Temples will be opened from 7am to noon, make sure the premises are sanitised between prayer sessions every half hour.
Temple authorities are strictly advised to conduct temperature checks and Covid-19 symptoms of devotees before allowing them into the premises. Devotees that intend to visit the temple are to make sure they check in using their My Sejahtera app.
Those with serious health conditions, senior citizens and kids under the age of 12 are not allowed to participate in the prayers.
There will also be a restriction in the number of attendees in the homes of those celebrating Deepavali, and the restrictions should be strictly adhered to by the public.
Those living in condominiums smaller than 1,500 square feet can only host up to 10 people, whereas houses larger than 1,500 feet can accommodate up to 15 people.
Celebrations are limited to no more than 20 individuals at landed properties. All those celebrating are warned to wear your face mask at all times, followed by physical distancing, and to wash their hands regularly with soap or use a hand sanitiser.