"This circular has been issued as a guide for Christians who are observing Christmas in churches to observe the health protocols to prevent COVID-19 infection during the Christmas period," Religious Affairs Minister Yaqut Cholil Qoumas said in a written statement issued in Jakarta on Thursday.
Religious activities performed during Christmas in churches must conform to Level 3 activities restriction enforcement (PPKM) during the period, he added.
The circular recommends organizing simple Christmas celebrations in open spaces, he said. Churches must provide an option for online worship to accommodate worshippers and prevent overcrowding, as the circular restricts physical attendance to 50 percent of the church's total capacity, he added.
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Churches must set up a COVID-19 health protocol task force and coordinate with local COVID-19 task forces regarding activities on their premises, the minister stated.
Church task force members must stand by to perform temperature checks and scan the status of arriving worshippers on the mobile contact-tracing application PeduliLindungi, control worshippers' movement in the church, and monitor health protocol adherence during Mass, Qoumas remarked.
The task force must set up temperature checking equipment, hand sanitizers, and washbasins at every entry and exit point of the church and carry out routine disinfection and cleaning, he said.
The circular also makes it compulsory for priests, pastors, and the clergy to wear masks and face shields during Mass and while performing activities inside the church, and also to remind worshippers to adhere to the health protocols, the minister stated.
"Parades to celebrate Christmas that involve a large number of participants and can potentially attract crowds are prohibited," Qoumas warned.
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Translator: Asep Firmansyah, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Suharto
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