Omicron Variant Spreads, Minister Of Religion: Houses Of Worship Must Be An Example Of COVID-19 Prevention

JAKARTA - Minister of Religion Yaqut Cholil Qoumas stated that houses of worship must be the best example in efforts to prevent transmission and control of COVID-19.

"We all have to be vigilant, especially with the emergence of a new variant, namely Omicron in a number of countries. Houses of worship must be the best example in efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19," said Minister of Religion Yaqut in a written statement received in Jakarta, Thursday, December 2.

Welcoming Christmas and New Year, the Ministry of Religion has issued Circular Letter Number 31 of 2021 which contains a number of provisions for worship in churches.

The circular regulates the implementation of worship that must be followed by church administrators/managers, congregations, to the application of health protocols, in order to provide a sense of security and comfort and minimize the potential for transmission of COVID-19.

"The circular is issued as a guide for Christians who will hold Christmas worship and celebrations in their respective houses of worship while still adhering to health protocols," Yaqut said as quoted by Antara.

He gave an example in organizing worship services and Christmas celebrations, church administrators and administrators are obliged to provide officers to inform and supervise the implementation of the 5M Health Protocol.

Then provide a temperature checking device at the entrance for all church users, to carry out body temperature checks for each congregation using a body temperature measuring device.

Another thing that is regulated in the SE is the distance between congregations is at least one meter by placing special marks on the floor, yard, or chairs. Regulating the number of congregations/people/church users who gather at the same time, to facilitate social distancing.

Then, the manager/caretaker must provide a backup of medical masks and prohibit congregations with unsanitary conditions from participating in worship/religious activities.

"It is forbidden to conduct parades or processions in the framework of the 2021 Christmas Celebration which involves a large number of participants," he said.