Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has come up with a special provision for Christmas celebrations amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
BMC commissioner Prem Chandra Chaudhury on Tuesday informed that people can celebrate Christmas this year by strictly adhering to the COVID-19 norms.
"Members of the Christian community had earlier approached us over Christmas celebrations this year. Keeping in view their request, a special provision has been made for them. With a limited number of guests, they can celebrate Christmas by following social distancing norms," said Chaudhury.
The Church committees will provide BMC, details of the number of people visiting Churches for the celebration and whether there would be enough space to maintain social distance. After reviewing the details, they will be granted necessary permission for the celebration, he said.
"Each and every church has to give a special request and provide details of the space and the number of persons who can be accommodated at a particular point of time. Based on the details, we will issue order for celebration," he added.
The BMC commissioner informed that the December 31st celebration is not allowed as of now as the COVID-19 norms for this month doesn't allow any type of large gathering.