Health Ministry issues guidelines on celebrating Deepavali

Religious festivals should not be held Kovils, communities, or estates to celebrate the upcoming Deepavali festival, the Ministry of Health announces.

Issuing a press release, the Ministry stated that steps have been taken to provide health guidelines and recommendations to the Hindu community including Hindu religious leaders and community leaders, on how to celebrate the festival.

To preserve the good feelings the festival brings, the public must make sure that no Hindu devotee contracts the COVID-19 virus during this festival season, Secretary of the Ministry Viraj Abeysinghe said.

Ministry urges the public to avoid spreading the infection to their loved ones in high-risk areas such as Colombo, Gampaha, and Kalutara by remaining at their residences instead of gathering.

Deepavali should be celebrated at home without going on trips, the Ministry recommends.

The notice by the Health Ministry advises the public not to light open flames after using hand sanitizer which contains highly flammable alcohol.

In addition, the devotees are advised to greet their loved ones through telephone calls and avoid contact by not making gestures such as shaking hands or hugging.

Further, parties involving alcohol and cigarettes should not be held, the Ministry said.