In wake of the recent threat regarding new strain of coronavirus originating in the UK, and the ongoing pandemic situation in the country, Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh has urged all 'Christian brothers and sisters' to celebrate Christmas in a simple manner. After announcing night curfew for all major cities in Maharashtra between December 22 and January 5, the Home Department also issued several guidelines regarding Christmas celebrations in the state.

Know the rules of Christmas Celebration 2020

As per the guidelines issued, the mass which is organised in local churches for special prayers should not exceed 50 people at a time. The authorities are to ensure that a church is not overcrowded at any point in time while social distancing is maintained and premises are sanitized regularly. It is also important for everyone to wear masks while being in church, the guidelines added.

With respect to church choirs, the state government's guidelines mentioned that no more than 10 people should be allowed in a single choir. It also points out that microphones used by the choir are to be cleaned.

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In order to ensure that the infection is contained, people above 60 and kids below 10, have been advised to avoid going out and celebrate Christmas indoors. The organizers should arrange for online messages for them, the guidelines suggest.

In connection to the grand Christmas processions, the Maharashtra government said they should not be carried out in a manner so as to attract crowds. No firecrackers should be burst during these processions, the guideline further added.

Maharashtra Home Minister Anil Deshmukh also appealed to the public to consider the Thanksgiving Mass, to be held at churches on December 31, to be held at 7 pm instead of midnight in view of the night curfew.