7th Month: Dinners, In-Person Getais, Live Music and Live Auctioning Are Not Permitted
The Ministry of Culture and Youth (MCCY) has announced a new set of guidelines for the religious organization to follow during the 7th Months. This guideline was developed out with the consultation with the Singapore Buddhist Federation and Taoist Federation where dinners, in-person getais, live music and live auctioning are not permitted for this year’s 7th lunar month activities.
1. Prayer services should be kept to as short a duration as possible. Worshippers should leave immediately after performing their prayers. There should be no mingling between worshippers before, during or after the prayer service.
2. Worshippers are to observe the one-metre safe distance between themselves and others if they are worshipping individually. They may also worship in groups of no more than five persons, with one-meter safe distancing between groups.
3. Everyone present must wear a face mask at all times. Those who are involved in the conduct of the prayer service may wear a face shield when performing speaking duties and must be at least one meter away from any other individual.
4. You can burn incense and joss paper within the premises that the prayer services are held and should do so responsibly. Worshippers should leave immediately after performing their prayers.
5. Singing and other live performances are not permitted during the prayer service. Singing is considered a higher risk activity as it could potentially release a larger amount of droplets.
6. Premises, where the prayer services are held, should be well-ventilated. Premises that have reduced air circulation should, where possible, open doors and windows to naturally ventilate the space after use.
7. No receptions or on-site meals are allowed before or after the prayer service. Religious organizations are allowed to distribute takeaway meals, pre-packed staple food items, and prayer packages to worshippers. They should limit the number of religious workers and staff involved in such distribution, as well as reduce the frequency and duration of direct interactions with worshippers.
image source, source, source, Myna Bird via Flickr.
