The Maharashtra government decided on Saturday to open the doors of religious sites for devotees starting next week, after a long hiatus. Religious sites may resume in the western state from Nov. 16, the Maharashtra government said. The mask will be mandatory for visitors. All COVID-19 regulations must be followed, the Maharashtra government said.
Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray extended his greetings to the people on the occasion of Diwali. “We cannot forget that the coronavirus demon is still among us. Although this demon is slowly being silenced now, we cannot be complacent. Citizens must follow discipline,” he said.
“Just as discipline and restraint was observed when celebrating Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi, Navratri and Pandharpur wari (annual pilgrimage), followers of other religions also celebrated festivals such as Eid, Mount Mary festival taking into account the COVID-19 security protocol “, said. said.
The chief minister said that although places of religious worship had to be closed during the pandemic, God was taking care of all the devotees in the form of doctors, nurses and other health personnel.
Strict COVID-19 protocols must be maintained in religious venues to prevent the spread of the virus.
“Overcrowding will have to be avoided. The reopening of religious sites is not a government order, but the Almighty’s wish. Shoes must be kept outside the premises and the use of masks is mandatory,” he said.
“If we follow discipline, we will get the blessings of God,” Thackeray said.
Maharashtra was one of the states hardest hit by the COVID-19 outbreak. So far, the state has recorded 17,40,461 positive cases of coronavirus.
.
