SHILLONG: The Meghalaya government finally decided to reopen the places of worship in the state from 1st Oct and has issued the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure safety of devotees visiting the religious places.

After consultations with consultation with religious leaders under the banner Shillong All Faith Forum (SAFF), the government has issued necessary guidelines or SOPs to prevent the spread of the dreaded virus in religious places of worship. Only those places of worship, which lie outside the containment zones, will be allowed to open.

The places of worship have been asked to take all necessary steps for maintaining social distancing and ensure that thermal screening, hand washing or sanitizing are provided at the entrance. Wearing of mask has been made mandatory to enter the religious premises.