Methodist churches to continue complying with SOPs come Apr 1
SIBU: Methodist churches will continue to comply with the standard operating procedures (SOP) set by Unit for Other Religions (Unifor) from April 1.
Bishop Lau Hui Ming of Sarawak Chinese Annual Conference (SCAC) said they had been complying with Unifor’s guideline all these while and there would be no difference come April 1.
“According to Unifor, there will be no limit as long as we maintain some kind of distancing.
“Full capacity cannot be achieved fully. We still need some social distancing,” he said when contacted yesterday.
On online services, he said it would depend on individual churches.
“Different churches will respond differently to the needs. Churches in the rural areas may not need online services anymore, people can come back to the church,” he said.
He also urged church goers to continue to be vigilant, wear masks at all times and to practise high personal hygiene.
Unifor will remove the limit on the number of attendees for non-Muslim houses of worship, as well as funeral and burial ceremonies from April 1.
However, physical distancing will still be required as the country transitions towards Covid-19 endemicity.
The same set of SOPs is also applicable for Qing Ming at cemeteries, columbariums, and memorial halls with immediate effect.
Face masks must be used and attendees must constantly wash and sanistise their hands, and avoid physical contact.
Attendance must be registered either through MySejahtera or a guest book, except at cemeteries.
Those who are symptomatic are not allowed to attend.
Cleaning and disinfection activities must be done regularly, while good ventilation must be ensured at the premises.