Assam releases festive SOPs; at least one dose of COVID vaccine is compulsory to take part

GUWAHATI: Assam health minister Keshab Mahanta has announced a fresh set of COVID-19 related SOPs ahead of the festive season.

"Our view is to celebrate every festival without getting infected by the virus," said Assam health minister Mahanta.

Every Puja committee must take permission from the concerned Deputy Commissioners to organise puja and every committee member should be vaccinated.

Persons above 18 years should be vaccinated with at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to take part in the public celebration. Persons below 18 years will be spared from such norms.

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Puja pandals should have two separate exit and entry points. Hand sanitisers and masks should be compulsorily available at the pandals.

Priest and core committee members must get tested on the fifth day and on the 10th day of Durga Puja.

Puja mandaps should be sanitized prior to and post to puja. Health Minister also instructed to bring idols smaller in size so that many people do not get indulged in lifting and placing the same.

This year's puja will not be followed by fairs and any other cultural event.

"No one should be deprived of religious and spiritual activities but unnecessary crowd due to the fairs and events should be avoided," Mahanta added.

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