BMC commissioner Prem Chandra Chaudhury Tuesday informed that people can celebrate Christmas this year by strictly adhering to the COVID-19 norms. However, the Christmas celebration will start only from December 25.
Chaudhury in his statement to the media said, “Members of the Christian community had earlier approached us over Christmas celebrations this year. Keeping in view their request, a special provision has been made for them. With a limited number of guests, they can celebrate Christmas by following social distancing norms.”
He also said that the Church committees have been instructed to provide details of the number of people visiting Churches for the celebration of the Christmas. “The BMC will also check whether the churches have enough spaces to receive the devotees or not. After reviewing the details, they will be granted necessary permission for the celebration,” he added.
He further clarified, “Each and every church has to give a special request and provide details of the space and the number of persons who can be accommodated at a particular point of time. Based on the details, we will issue an order for celebration.”
“The current Covid-19 guidelines don’t allow any celebration on New Year’s eve. While the Covid cases may have dropped significantly in the city, we still cannot let our guards down. All Covid norms are still in place and the New Year celebrations may weaken us in our battle against the pandemic,” Chaudhary said.