MUSCAT: After temporarily closing for more than two months, temples and churches in the Sultanate will reopen for worshippers, as Covid-19 restrictions gradually ease across the country.

While both Sri Krishna Temple in Darsait and Sri Shiva Temple in Muscat will reopen on Saturday, June 12, churches will open on June 13.

“Both Sri Krishna Temple in Darsait and Sri Shiva Temple in Muscat will open on June 12. People will be allowed to enter the temple by following strict COVID-19 protocols including wearing masks and maintaining social distancing,” said an official speaking to The Arabian Stories.

According to the official, both the temples will permit only a limited number of people to enter.

Ahead of the opening, the management of the Hindu Temple have issued guidelines for worshippers. These include physical/social distancing, sterilising hands, wearing masks during their time spent in the temple, avoiding touching surfaces and objects as much as possible and preventing gatherings in and around the temples, and a commitment to stay at home if a person exhibits any relevant symptoms. “We will be following the strict protocols prescribed by the Ministry,” the official added.

Meanwhile, Sts Peter and Paul Catholic Church has informed that it will reopen on June 13, however, the church management will only allow entry through an online registration. Both temples and churches were closed on April 3, in the wake of rising coronavirus cases in the country.

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