Deepavali 2021: These Are the SOPs Set by the National Unity Ministry

The National Unity Ministry has released the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to be observed during the upcoming Deepavali celebrations (Nov 4), to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In a statement, the ministry said slightly different set of SOPs would apply to states under Phase 3 and Phase 4 of the National Recovery Plan (PPN).

Currently, seven states, namely Perlis, Perak, Kelantan, Penang, Kedah, Sabah, and Sarawak, are under Phase 3, while Pahang, Terengganu, Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, and Labuan, are under Phase 4.

Below are the SOPs that apply to states under Phase 3:

• Religious activities and prayers at non-Muslim houses of worship are allowed for the fully vaccinated, with the maximum capacity subject to the size of the premise, while taking into account physical distancing of at least 1 metre.
• These activities are allowed to take place from 6am to 2pm, and then from 4pm to 10pm.
• Food is to be packed and given to devotees. Dining in at the temple premises is strictly not allowed.

Meanwhile, these are the SOPs that apply to states under Phase 4:

• Religious activities and prayers at non-Muslim houses of worship are allowed for the fully vaccinated, with the maximum capacity subject to the size of the premise, while taking into account physical distancing of at least 1 metre.
• Religious activities and prayers are allowed to take place, as per the timing set by the non-Muslim houses of worship.
• Again, food is to be packed for devotees, and dining-in is strictly prohibited.

In addition, the ministry has also issued a general set of SOPs for the Festival of Lights, which include:

• No processions of any kind.
• Deepavali bazaars are allowed, subject to the approval and monitoring by the local authorities.
• Visiting is only allowed for the fully vaccinated, in line with the permission to cross state borders.
• Cemetery visits are allowed for the fully vaccinated, subject to the SOPs set by the government for states under the different phases of the National Recovery Plan.

National Unity Minister Halimah Mohamed Sadique, in the statement, further urged the Indian community to abide by the SOPs set, such as wearing face masks, maintaining good self-hygiene, and ensuring physical distancing, while celebrating Deepavali under the new norm.


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