THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In the wake of the COVID-19 situation, the government has decided to allow only 20 persons at a time in religious places. The decision was taken in a high-level meeting chaired by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Normally, 20 persons would be allowed inside all religious places. At Hindu temples, the number can be raised to 40 on special occasions on the basis of facilities. For Friday prayer in masjids and for Sunday mass in churches, up to 40 persons will be allowed as per facilities by following COVID protocol.

In Sabarimala, however, up to 250 persons will be allowed for darshan during pooja days in the month of 'Thulam', the Chief Minister's Office informed.