The Ministry of Culture and Youth (MCCY) has released a set of guidelines for religious organisations to follow during the 7th month.

The guidelines were developed in consultation with the Singapore Buddhist Federation and Taoist Federation.

Dinners, in-person getais, live music and live auctioning are not permitted for this year’s 7th lunar month activities.

According to MCCY, organisations can consider alternative forms such as digital recordings that will allow their worshippers to safely participate in such activities.

Organisations are allowed to conduct 7th month prayer services for up to 50 persons at a time, excluding religious and supporting workers, and must observe the following safe management measures:

1. Prayer services should be kept to as short a duration as possible. Worshippers should leave immediately after performing their prayers. There should be no mingling between worshippers before, during or after the prayer service.

2. Worshippers are to observe one-metre safe distance between themselves and others if they are worshipping individually. They may also worship in groups of no more than five persons, with one-metre safe distancing between groups.

3. Everyone present must wear a face mask at all times. Those who are involved in the conduct of the prayer service may wear a face shield when performing speaking duties and must be at least one metre away from any other individual.

4. You can burn incense and joss paper within the premises that the prayer services are held and should do so responsibly. Worshippers should leave immediately after performing their prayers.

5. Singing and other live performances are not permitted during the prayer service. Singing is considered a higher risk activity as it could potentially release a larger amount of droplets.

6. Premises where the prayer services are held should be well-ventilated. Premises that have reduced air circulation should, where possible, open doors and windows to naturally ventilate the space after use.

7. No receptions or on-site meals are allowed before or after the prayer service. Religious organisations are allowed to distribute takeaway meals, pre-packed staple food items and prayer packages to worshippers. They should limit the number of religious workers and staff involved in such distribution, as well as reduce the frequency and duration of direct interactions with worshippers.

The above measures are in addition to existing safe management measures for religious activities in Phase Two.

Religious organisations must submit their SMPs (Safe Management Plans) for Phase 2 at least three days before proceeding with any activity as part of 7th lunar month.

Those requesting deviations from the parameters set out in either MCCY’s prevailing advisory on the Resumption of More Religious Activities in Phase 2, or the guidelines set out above, will require MCCY’s approval before proceeding with their activities.

MCCY can suspend a RO’s activities if there are gaps in the SMP submitted, and until the necessary rectifications are made.

Should there be any confirmed COVID-19 cases linked to a RO’s 7th lunar month activities, the RO’s operations and/or premises may be closed for a period of time as determined by the authorities.

Top photo by Myna Bird via Flickr.