Shillong, Aug 12: The state government on Thursday met religious leaders of various faiths ahead of the reopening of places of worship from August 16.
State Chief Secretary, MS Rao informed that the meeting was to discuss and finalise the SoPs for opening religious places, for weddings and also to seek the support of all faith based institutions in the vaccination efforts of the government.
It may be mentioned that places of worship were closed for about four months after the second wave of Covid-19 hit the state.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the Chief Secretary said that it would be advisable if those visiting the places of worship were vaccinated, but it was not mandatory.
“It will be an advisory that it’s better that only vaccinated people attend,†the Chief Secretary said.
When asked what is the target of the government to vaccinate the eligible population, Rao said that they want to reach to every eligible citizens of the state.
“So the 18 plus we should have 100 percent coverage that is the target,†he said.
The Chief Secretary also said that as per their inputs to have a better reach in its publicity efforts it is better to open places of worship in a limited way.
He said that most of them are all in favour of vaccination so it will help the government in the sense that they can reach out to their respective congregations.
“See today because the places are closed they are also finding it difficult because online medium has its limitations. So we expect that with this opening it will also help the vaccination effort of the government,†Rao said.