New Delhi:Social distancing norms and use of masks and sanitisers will be a must in religious places from June 8 as people will be returning to the shrines, which have been closed for over two months due to the coronavirus-induced lockdown.
In-charges and managements of temples, mosques and gurudwaras in the city said preparations are underway to ensure all safety measures are in place as they throw open their doors for the devotees amid the pandemic.
The steps needed to adhere to detailed guidelines of the Centre and the Delhi government, and standard operating procedures for religious places that are yet to be issued will also be implemented, they said.
Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid Syed Ahmed Bukhari said stickers will be affixed on the floor and verandas of the mosque to ensure social distancing during namaz.
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"We have also decided to discontinue using carpet on which people offer namaz at the mosque and ask people to carry their own ‘musalla’ (mat for offering namaz). We will also suggest them to do ''wuzu'' (ritual ablution before namaz) and avoid using mosque tanks," Bukhari said, elaborating steps to be taken to keep people safe from the infection.
The namazis will also be advised to wear masks and carry sanitisers, and strictly adhere to social distancing norms to keep themselves and others safe from coronavirus, he said.
Fatehpuri Masjid''s Shahi Imam Mufti Mukarram Ahmed said awareness will be key to keeping people safe during the congregational prayers.
"We have already been emphasising on social distancing and other precautions. All the steps as advised by the governments in their guidelines will be fully implemented," he said.
The main temples in the city are also ensuring various steps, including use of thermal devices, to keep the devotees safe.
Vinod Kumar Mishra, the administrator of the Laxmi Narayan Mandir also known as the Birla temple in central Delhi, said the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) staff had been sanitising the complex on a regular basis for now.
The temple administration is considering hiring an agency for regular sanitisation of the premises once the temple is opened from June 8, Mishra said.
"We have arranged sanitisers and thermal temperature guns and painted circles in the complex to ensure the devotees maintain the physical distancing norms," he said.