With the Durga Puja season starting soon and the risk of COVID-19 infections still quite high, the Government of Assam has issued a new set of Standard Operating Procedures to be followed during the festive season.
Mass vaccination drives are already underway across Assam to achieve the highest possible vaccination rates in the state before the festival. To maintain additional safety measures, all Puja Committees must take permission from the respective district administrations.
List of the core member, estimated crowds etc must be furnished. Adequate space, separate entry and exit, masks sanitizers of the devotees are responsibilities of the organizers. Also proper crowd control measures must be implementes.
All organizers and volunteers must be partially or fully vaccinated. Mandatory COVID-19 tests will be carried out both before and after puja.
If symptoms are detected in any person, immediate action should be taken according to fixed procedures. Volunteers must be trained properly to carry out all the duties of maintaining strict Covid-19 protocols.
Prasad distribution should be done in a controlled manner to avoid crowding. And packed prasad is encouraged.
All COVID-19 related orders issued by the ASDMA will remain active even during these days. No fair or mela shall be allowed. Any cultural program are strictly prohibited during these days. Bringing the idols to and from pandals must be completed with as little members as possible.
