The churches under the archdiocese of Calcutta has restricted the number of people at a Holy Mass to 50 in in the churches as Covid-19 cases continue to rise.

Likewise, a maximum of 20 people would be allowed for baptism, marriage and funeral.

Fresh guidelines for all the churches were issued on Sunday night in a circular addressed by archbishop Thomas D’Souza.

“As you are aware the second wave of coronavirus is very active in many states in India, including West Bengal. The city of Calcutta and North-24 Parganas district have seen many cases of Covid-19 infection and even deaths. In such a situation, it is necessary that we take a fresh look at the arrangements in our churches for the Sacred Worship,” said the archbishop in the circular.

The guidelines, which came into force from Monday, include:

• The number of persons at a Holy Mass will be restricted to a maximum of 50, in the parish churches in Calcutta and in town parish churches of other districts
• Number of persons for baptism, marriage and funeral has been set at maximum 20
• Sacrament of anointing and reconciliation (confession) maybe given to those without any infection, following the prescribed Covid protocols
• Persons above 65 years or those suffering from comorbidities, and children below 10 years are not permitted to attend Holy Mass
• House blessing/family visits will remain suspended until further notice
• Elderly or persons who are unwell will be helped to pray at home and participate in the online Holy Mass
• The churches will be sanitised before and after every Holy Mass
• All those who attend the Holy Mass/prayer must wear mask all the time, maintain social distance and sanitise their hands and leave the premises immediately
• Parish priests will once again introduce registration process to attend Holy Mass, if necessary
• In the rural parishes there will be no change for the time being but if there arises a situation where cases of Covid-19 are found, the parish priest will take immediate steps to reduce the number of participants to a maximum of 50 or even to temporarily close the churches.

The circular mentioned that periodic review of the situation would be done and guidelines would be issued accordingly. “Under the circumstances fresh guidelines were essential. We have told the Small Christian Communities (SCC) to hold online meetings only,” said Father Dominic Gomes, the vicar-general of the archdiocese of Calcutta and the director of SCC.