Avoid crowding in churches during Christmas, say Maharashtra government's guidelines

In view of concerns about the Omicron variant of coronavirus, churches should operate with 50 per cent seating capacity during Christmas festivities, said the latest guidelines issued by the Maharashtra government on Thursday.

Only a minimum number of choristers should be allowed to perform choirs inside the churches and separate mics should be given to each performer, they added.

The guidelines, issued by the state home department, also instructed that social distancing be maintained at churches, masks should be worn and hand sanitizers be made available.


People should celebrate Christmas by taking all precautionary measures to avoid viral infection as Omicron variant can spread rapidly, the guidelines said.