–persons encouraged to observe activities within their home circle

AS part of efforts geared at facilitating safe celebrations during the Easter weekend, the National COVID-19 Task Force (NCTF) has said that the joint services will be conducting nationwide patrols to enforce the COVID-19 guidelines.
According to an advisory issued by the NCTF Secretariat, Easter events held at churches, including Mass services and cultural programmes, are allowed at 40 per cent capacity. Churches are, however, encouraged to utilise their outdoor spaces where available.
Additionally, it was noted that persons are encouraged to observe Easter activities within their home circle. Easter activities in public spaces such as parks, creeks, lakes, beaches and resorts are strictly prohibited. Large gatherings are also prohibited.

The advisory noted too that the traditional public restrictions in observance of Good Friday must be adhered to. These restrictions were, however, not listed. It was stated that Easter celebrations do not involve the consumption of liquor.
Additionally, it was noted that all non-religious Easter activities, inclusive of shows, parties, limes and wet fetes are prohibited.
Though the gazetted COVID-19 measures, which are updated at least monthly, prohibit such activities, few local establishments have issued advertisements of the same. Recognising that local businesses and establishments are flouting the COVID-19 guidelines, which are instituted to help curb the spread of COVID-19, Director of the NCTF Secretariat, Colonel Nazrul Hussain, told this publication that enforcement had to be upped.

“We plan to do enforcement on a daily basis but especially on those days that they (businesses) signalled that they are going to breach these measures,” Colonel Hussain said recently, in an invited comment. Meanwhile, the NCTF Secretariat issued these holiday-specific guidelines to provide some guidance on how persons should celebrate the holiday weekend. “These guidelines are intended to allow for a limited participation in the Easter activities while maintaining the sanctity of the religious holidays,” the guidelines stated. During a recent address to the nation, President, Dr. Irfaan Ali, noted that while there are several religious and cultural events ahead of the country over the next few weeks, citizens should adhere strictly to the approved COVID-19 guidelines. “The COVID-19 Task Force has been asked to pursue charges against owners of establishments that are found in breach of the COVID-19 guidelines,” he underscored. The Task Force, which incorporates members of the joint services, will be keenly monitoring activities on Sunday to see whether establishments are breaching these COVID-19 restrictions.