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SINGAPORE: Some activities for the seventh lunar month are allowed as long as COVID-19 rules are followed, while getai presentations, live music, live auctions and dinners are allowed, the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) said on Friday (August 7).
The seventh lunar month this year runs from August 19 to September 16, phase 2 of Singapore’s reopening.
MCCY said in a press that the rules had been developed in consultation with the Buddhist Federation of Singapore and the Taoist Federation.
Meanwhile, devoted organizations can organize prayers and activities for up to 50 people at a time with security control measures in place, adding the face mask to everyone.
Children 12 years and younger, as well as those who might have difficulty breathing when dressed in a mask for an extended period of time, would possibly wear a face protector instead.
Other security control measures come with prayer facilities that are kept in the shortest duration imaginable without mixing among the faithful. All faithful must also leave without delay after completing their prayers.
Those who pray should also practice a protection distance of 1 m between them or between teams of up to five people.
The premises where the facilities are developed must also be well ventilated.
Singing and other live performances are not allowed, MCCY said, adding that making a song is a “more threatening activity as it could release more drops.”
UNAUTHORIZED ACTIVITIES
Receptions and meals before or after prayer service are not permitted. However, devout organizations can distribute takeaways, packaged staples, and prayer packs to the faithful.
Other unauthorized activities this year are dinners, in-person getais, music and auctions, MCCY said, suggesting virtual recordings for such events.
For sentences taking place in outdoor places of worship, they must be conducted through devout organizations “with a smart track record of implementing control measures” or through staff approved through organizations.
“They still wish to receive permits and approvals from the owners of the facility and the relevant authorities,” MCCY said.
Organizations that do not have a smart track record will have to search first in the Taoist Federation or the Buddhist Federation of Singapore before presenting their programs to use outdoor locations, the ministry said.
Religious organizations may also set up tents for prayer services, this is subject to approval by the relevant agencies.
VISITS TO COLUMBARIA
Regular visits through pigeons to places of worship that have been legal to operate in Phase 2 are also allowed, with safe distance measurements established.
“Visits through dovecotes and other legal devout activities (excluding seventh month prayer and other worship services) would possibly take a position in the position of the subject of worship up to a total limit of 50 people (excluding devotees and humanitarian workers), and only if such activities can be safely performed in separate places of worship ” MCCY said.
“There will be symptoms and commands good enough to consult the other parties so that they do not interact or be found when entering, leaving or being on the premises.
However, before carrying out any activity, devout organizations must submit their security control plans at least 3 days before the MCCYC.
If there are gaps in plans, the branch has stated that it will suspend activities until corrections are made.
“If cases of COVID-19 similar to the activities of the seventh lunar month of a (devoted organization) were shown, the operations and/or facilities of (the devout organization) would possibly be closed during a specific era through the authorities. “
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