More people allowed for services at some places of worship

More people will be able to attend congregational and other worship services, as some religious organisations have increased their capacity limit to 250 people.

At least four churches The Straits Times contacted are welcoming between 150 and 250 worshippers, up from the current limit of 100.

The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) also said five local mosques will allow 250 worshippers each for Friday prayer sessions from this week.

This means that each mosque can serve 750 worshippers across three sessions every Friday - at 12.50pm, 1.50pm and 2.50pm.

All of these religious organisations are part of a pilot spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) aimed at allowing religious activities to gradually resume with safe management measures in place.

The pilot programme, which opened to religious organisations for application on Oct 3, requires those on board to have steadily conducted worship services for 100 people.

In line with MCCY's requirements, people allowed at worship services must abide by zoning requirements. Each zone can have up to 50 people.

The Church of the Holy Spirit in Thomson said that since Nov 21, up to 250 worshippers have been allowed for its five worship sessions held every weekend.

The five participating mosques are Al-Islah in Punggol, Al-Istighfar in Pasir Ris, Darul Ghufran in Tampines, Assyafaah in Admiralty and Al-Khair in Teck Whye.

"The five mosques were chosen based on their ability and readiness to comply with all requirements of the safe management measures as prescribed for places of worship," a Muis spokesman said.

Those who have been unable to obtain a prayer slot since Nov 20 can now register for one by using the MuslimSg app or visiting ourmosques.commonspaces.sg

Same-day booking for any prayer slots that remain will be available every Friday from 10am to 2pm.This is to avoid interaction between worshippers across zones.

Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery said that from Dec 21, it will be part of the MCCY pilot. It is currently limited to having 100 devotees at any one time.

Sri Mariamman Temple in South Bridge Road is also participating in the pilot, while Taoist Federation chairman Tan Thiam Lye said the federation is interested in applying.