Religious activities will be allowed to gradually resume at places of worship in Singapore from Friday, June 19, going into phase two.

But reduced physical interactions is key.

Congregational and other worship services, starting with up to 50 people at a time, excluding religious and supporting workers, may resume from June 26.

This is to allow religious organisations to prepare safe management measures.

Advisory out

The Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) said in an advisory on June 18 that organisations are required to submit their safe management plans at least three days before commencing phase two activities.

The plans should include ensuring worshippers observe a 1m safe distance when worshipping individually or in groups of no more than five, and keeping worship services as short as possible.

No singing allowed

Singing and other live performances will not be permitted during the service.

There should also not be any sharing of prayer or other common items.

Ventilation a must

Doors and windows of places of worship with reduced air circulation have to be opened to naturally ventilate the space after use.

Other religious activities conducted at separate locations within the place of worship are allowed.

But the number of people should be capped at 50.

Marriages and funerals

Marriage solemnisations and funerals will be allowed to take place at the places of worship, with a limit of 20 people at a time.

This figure excludes the religious and supporting workers.

Small groups already allowed

Other non-congregational religious activities, such as religious rites, pastoral services and religious classes can be conducted for groups of up to five people and can commence from June 19 if safety management plans are in place that comply with the parameters set out by the advisory.

Up to 10 people will be allowed on-location for productions, involving the recording and broadcast of services and prayers.

Beyond 50 people

The MCCY said that it hopes to gradually increase the congregation limit beyond 50 people if Covid-19 community transmission remains low and stable.

It also said worshippers have to be divided into zones holding no more than 50 each, in the event congregations are allowed to get bigger.

Different zones will be set up and there should be no intermingling of individuals across zones.

Top photo via Google Maps