Now is a time for religious festivals, as a cluster of faiths gather to celebrate significant days on their calendars. The faithful flock to embolden their beliefs, as they renew their promises. This is a magnet that cannot be denied. However, this time COVID-19 overlays this with a call to remain separate. Today we share some practical considerations for faith gatherings in these circumstances.
What to Look Out for at Gatherings of People
Not every has the virus. However, the more people gather, the greater the likelihood of a spreader at the venue. World Health Organization issued guidance notes we link to below. It’s a comprehensive document and we just provide a few highlights here. We hope they help religious leaders prepare, while advising worshipers what to look out for.
Main Practical Considerations at Faith Gatherings
Find Ways to Avoid Touching
Religious communities have traditions that spring deeply from their faith and culture. Many of these involve touching and embracing, which bring people closer than a safe distance. World Health Organization (WHO) recommends finding other ways to greet one another with the same goal.
Avoid Frequently Touching Symbols
The faithful use signs, and symbols that gather together their fundamental beliefs. They may touch, kiss or otherwise handle those items as they embrace their faith. The WHO recommends developing other salutations. An alternative could be to sanitize hands immediately after a shared ritual.
Promote Healthy Personal Hygiene
Festival organizers should provide – and the faithful use – hand sanitizers at entrances, exits and other places the faithful gather. The communal area should be arranged to enable safe distance, and there should be ample facial tissues and disposal bins. The same personal precautions should apply as for department stores and sports meetings.
Keep The Venue Clean and Hygienic
People are responsible for preventing viral load spreading between each other. However, frequently-touched surfaces can still facilitate hand-to-face transfer. The WHO concludes its practical considerations for faith gatherings, by emphasizing the need to frequently clean surfaces, and spaces used for communal worship.
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